[Phys-L] Re: Assignment for Einsteinians

[Pentcho Valev <valevp@BAS.BG>]

On Sat, 2 Jul 2005 12:16:30 -0500, John Clement <clement@HAL-PC.ORG> wrote:

> > In 1960 the frequency shift factor as light travels between the top of a
> > tower and the ground was confirmed to be 1+phi/c^2. It can be shown (see
> > http://www.wbabin.net/valev/valev3.htm ) that this result contradicts the
> > postulate of constancy of speed of light (the c postulate) and is
> > consistent with its negation stating that the speed of light is variable
> > (the c+v postulate).
>
> Very interesting.  Actually this particular result will be assumed by the
> naïve to be a confirmation of a change in the speed of light.  However,
wave
> speed changes can not in classical Newtonian physics have any effect on the
> frequency.

??????????

> Here you see a common misconception that students have when they
> study waves.  In a Newtonian system the frequency has to stay constant by
> conservation of waves.  However if the frequency changes then something
else
> has to have changed, and that must be the rate at which your clocks are
> running.  This of course is the "gravitational" time dilation predicted by
> general relativity.

Yes if you wish to keep the speed of light constant, you should introduce
gravitational time dilation but also an absurd wavelength change - see
again http://www.wbabin.net/valev/valev3.htm .


> Notice that here is a common elementary physics student misconception
> rearing its head.  Unfortunately arguing with the student really does
little
> good.  They need a dose of laboratory work with an interactive engagement
> component.

Don't argue with students then - just urge them to learn by rote.

Pentcho Valev
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