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Is the question why does the SOL happen to be 300,000 km/s, or is it why does it have a finite speed at all? If it is the first question the answer may be a just-so story. After all, it has to go at some speed. On the other hand, if it is the second question, the answer may go much deeper. At this level of instruction, it probably is best to limit the answer to a just-so story. Delving into Maxwell's theory seem inappropriate for beginning non-mathematical students, and dealing with some philosophical questions about the nature of photons is probably giving the wrong impression to the students.
A teacher member of the PTSOS** list posted:
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We're discussing Special Relativity in my conceptual physics class,
and a student asked WHY light goes at 300,000 km/s, and what limits it.
Have you any recommendations for a response?
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Does one answer such questions by: physics deals w/ how and what, not why (that's meta-physics), or delve into Maxwell -- which leads to why is mu 4Pi E-7 and e 8.85 etc.
bc stumped, after cursorily searching JD's site.
p.s. is the answer a just-so story?