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Old November 13th, 2004, 11:26 PM
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Default Re: OT:Tempted to get this book

Quote:
Renegade 13 said:

Ok, that makes sense. Based on your explanation, the speed of light in a vacuum is the "fastest" light can travel through any known medium, since there is virtually nothing to "slow" the light wave/particle. Therefore, the speed of light in a vacuum is the "fastest" anything can travel, as far as we know (disregarding certain quantum effects if my memory serves me well). I always knew that light behaved (under certain circumstances) as a particle and/or a wave. However, what significance does this have?
The "Speed of light" numbers are really "The speed of light in a vaccuum" speeds. Strangely there are certian particles that can travel faster than the speed of light when this light is slowed by going through glass or air. This is one reason why Cherenkov detectors work.
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