Does Gravity Cause Refraction Similar to Light?

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    Gravity Refraction
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of whether gravity can cause a form of refraction similar to that observed with light passing through different media. Participants are examining the relationship between gravity and the bending of paths through space, particularly in the context of general relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if gravity refracts objects towards the Earth, suggesting a possible analogy to light refraction.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the definition of refraction, indicating uncertainty about the concept.
  • A different participant reflects on the idea that paths through space may be "bent" towards the Earth due to gravity, proposing it could be a form of refraction.
  • One participant explains that refraction involves light traveling through different media, contrasting this with the bending of light in a gravitational field as described by general relativity, where light follows geodesics in curved spacetime.
  • This participant emphasizes that light does not change speed in the same way as it does when refracting between media, as per Snell's law.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the analogy between gravity and refraction, with some proposing a connection while others clarify the distinctions based on definitions and principles of physics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of gravity's effect on paths through space.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions of refraction being discussed, and the relationship between gravity and light bending is not fully explored, leaving some assumptions and interpretations open to further examination.

mee
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? gravity and refraction

I don't know if this is silly, but does gravity refract us towards the earth? :confused:
 
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maybe this is equally silly but please explain your definition of refraction?
 
Scott Sieger said:
maybe this is equally silly but please explain your definition of refraction?

If I knew I would be much wiser!
:smile: It seems our path through space is "bent" back towards the Earth due to gravity. I was wondering if it could be some sort of refraction. :smile:
 
Last edited:
Refraction of light is possible thru its travel between different media such as glass and air, air and water, outer space and the atmosphere, etc.

The vacuum ("empty space") is the ultimate medium. And curving of this vacuum by gravity is possible by the theory of general relativity. Light is just following the shortest path (geodesic) along the curvature of this vacuum. it is not passing thru different media like refraction. Light is just moving along path of space that uses the least amount of energy. The speed of light is constant at every point of the path while in refraction the speed of light changes from medium to medium as indicated by Snell's law.
 

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