Light and Timespace - Exploring the Relationship

  • Thread starter Vierstein
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Light
In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between gravity and light in curved spacetime. The first speaker asks if light is affected by gravity or if it is simply following the curvature of spacetime. The second speaker clarifies that it is spacetime that is curved, not timespace, and that the terms "ambivalent" and "equivalent" have different meanings. They also explain that in curved spacetime, the shortest track for light is not a straight line, as it is in non-curved spacetime.
  • #1
Vierstein
15
0
Hi,

I have a question about timespace. So apparently even light is affected by gravity. Is this true, or is the light merely following the curved time space (the light is moving straight where it is, but curved from my point of view because time space is curved) or are the two just ambivalent expressions of the same thing, with light being affected due to gravity due to curved timespace being just a more precise expression of light is affected by gravity.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Vierstein said:
Hi,

I have a question about timespace. So apparently even light is affected by gravity. Is this true, or is the light merely following the curved time space (the light is moving straight where it is, but curved from my point of view because time space is curved) or are the two just ambivalent expressions of the same thing, with light being affected due to gravity due to curved timespace being just a more precise expression of light is affected by gravity.

First, it's "spacetime", not "timespace". Second, it's "equivalent", not "ambivalent", and yes, they are different ways of saying the same thing.

Matter tells spacetime how to shape itself and spacetime tells matter (and light) how to move
 
  • #3
Hi.

Lights take "shortest" tracks. In non-curved space-time, the "shortest" track is the straight line. But in curved space-time, in other word when gravity works, they are not the same anymore.

Regards.
 
Last edited:

What is the speed of light?

The speed of light is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum.

How does light travel through space?

Light travels in the form of electromagnetic waves, moving through space at a constant speed.

What is the relationship between light and time?

Einstein's theory of relativity states that the speed of light is constant and independent of the observer's frame of reference. This means that the closer an object travels to the speed of light, the slower time passes for that object.

Can light be affected by gravity?

Yes, light can be affected by gravity. According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, gravity bends the fabric of space-time, causing light to follow a curved path when passing through massive objects.

What is the significance of the speed of light in our universe?

The speed of light plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. It is the fastest possible speed and serves as a fundamental constant in many equations and theories, including Einstein's famous equation E=mc².

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
471
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
95
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
892
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top