[Phys-L] Re: Assignment for Einsteinians

[John Clement <clement@HAL-PC.ORG>]

> 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.

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.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX
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