- #1
Loren Booda
- 3,125
- 4
If photons can follow a curved trajectory, may they be considered to accelerate in a (generally) relative manner?
Yes, photons can accelerate in a vacuum. According to the theory of special relativity, photons always travel at the speed of light, which is the maximum speed possible in a vacuum.
No, photons do not have mass. They are considered to be massless particles and therefore do not accelerate in the traditional sense. Instead, they can change their energy and momentum, resulting in a change in velocity.
The acceleration of photons is unique compared to other particles. Unlike massive particles, photons do not need to gain kinetic energy to accelerate. Instead, they change their frequency and wavelength to increase their energy and momentum.
Yes, photons can change direction while accelerating. This is known as refraction and occurs when photons move from one medium to another, such as from air to water. The change in the medium causes a change in the speed of the photon, which results in a change in direction.
Yes, the acceleration of photons is affected by gravity. According to the theory of general relativity, photons follow the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects, such as planets or stars. This results in a change in the path and velocity of the photon's movement.