The finding that light in free space has one speed, and one speed only, is consistent with ____________________. A) the conservation of energy as shown by Maxwell.B) general relativity.C) Newton's laws of motion.D) electromagnetic induction.
My book tells me it is A and D but it is only asking me for one answer??
B) general relativity
Second postulate of special relativity:
The speed of light in free space has the same value C in all inertial frames of reference.
IT MARKED THIS ANSWER WRONG
To determine which option is the correct answer, let's analyze each option:
A) The conservation of energy as shown by Maxwell: This option is consistent with the finding that light in free space has one speed. The concept of energy conservation is an important principle in physics, and Maxwell's equations, which describe electromagnetic waves and the behavior of light, are derived based on the conservation of energy. Therefore, we can consider this option to be plausible.
B) General relativity: General relativity, which is Einstein's theory of gravity, does not directly explain the speed of light in free space. While general relativity has important implications for the behavior of light in the presence of gravitational fields, it does not provide an explanation for why light always travels at the same speed in a vacuum.
C) Newton's laws of motion: Newton's laws of motion, which were formulated before the discovery of the speed of light, describe the behavior of objects in the presence of forces. These laws do not directly address the speed of light or the behavior of electromagnetic waves.
D) Electromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic induction is a phenomenon in which a changing magnetic field induces an electric current. While electromagnetic induction is fundamental to our understanding of electricity and magnetism, it does not directly explain why light in free space has a constant speed.
Based on this analysis, we find that option A, the conservation of energy as shown by Maxwell, is the most accurate explanation for why light in free space has one speed. Therefore, option A is the correct answer to the question.