Variable speed of light in QED

In summary, the concept of variable c in QED calculations is actually just a transformation factor and does not have any direct effect on quantum effects. However, some people view the speed of light as a conversion factor between space and time, leading to the idea that everything in the universe is moving at a constant speed c in the time direction. This can be resolved by setting c=1, which essentially measures time in meters instead of seconds.
  • #1
exponent137
561
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In QED calculations are made with variable c.
But Duff says that c does not exists, because it is only a transformation factor. So if we put c=1 how QED is changed at small distances?
 
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  • #2
exponent137 said:
In QED calculations are made with variable c.
But Duff says that c does not exists, because it is only a transformation factor. So if we put c=1 how QED is changed at small distances?
This issue actually has nothing to do with quantum effects; it's just the way Special Relativity is interpreted. Some people like to think of the speed of light as a conversion factor between space and time. For instance, they would say that there is no difference between 1 year and 1 light-year. They do this because of the identity ds^2=dx^2+dy^2+dz^2-(cdt)^2. Note that the last quantity that gets squared is not dt, but cdt. So you can think of time as a fourth dimension w=ct. The authors who think along these lines often make the claim that everything in the universe is moving in the time direction with a constant speed c (although that's strange, because speed is distance over time).

Then you can say the only reason why w=t is not valid is that we chose a different unit for time than for space, and we can easily fix that mistake by measuring time in meters, which is equivalent to setting c=1.
 

Related to Variable speed of light in QED

What is the variable speed of light in QED?

The variable speed of light in QED (Quantum Electrodynamics) is a concept that suggests that the speed of light may change depending on the medium it travels through. This theory is based on the idea that the vacuum of space is not completely empty and can affect the propagation of light.

How does the variable speed of light theory relate to QED?

The variable speed of light theory is a fundamental part of QED, which is a quantum field theory that describes the interactions between light and matter. This theory is based on the idea that light is made up of particles called photons, and these particles can interact with other particles in the vacuum, causing the speed of light to vary.

What evidence supports the variable speed of light theory?

There is currently no direct evidence to support the variable speed of light theory. However, some experiments have shown that the speed of light can vary when traveling through certain materials, such as water or glass. Additionally, the theory is supported by mathematical calculations and is consistent with other theories in physics.

What are the implications of the variable speed of light theory?

If the variable speed of light theory is proven to be true, it could have a significant impact on our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. It could also have practical applications, such as improving our understanding of how light travels through different materials and potentially leading to advancements in technology.

Is the variable speed of light theory widely accepted?

The variable speed of light theory is still a topic of debate and is not widely accepted by the scientific community. It is considered to be a controversial idea, and more research and evidence are needed to fully understand its implications and validity. However, it remains an intriguing concept that continues to be studied and explored by scientists.

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