LAB Physics - file 04
To overtake Light – Relativity to Quantum
In my previous post, we saw that the actual speed of light is slowed down by medium, while a Photon travels constantly the 100% of the speed of light (“c” = about 300,000 km/s) as its property. This discrepancy, as well as the interference with molecules of water induce the Sonic Boom of light, called the Cherenkov Radiation, as the visible fantastic blue glow in a nuclear reactor pool.
Consequently, photons can relatively overtake actual speeds of light in various media, while the speed of photon is still kept up to the speed of light in vacuum (c) constantly.
The speed of light in a vacuum (c) is commonly called the universal speed limit. Then, is there anything else exceeding the speed of light? Is the mythical speed of light in a vacuum (c) really the fastest and the upper limit in the Universe? Let's examine together!