Recent content by Clive Redwood

Einstein actually arrives at his stellar game changing prediction by solving the null geodesic equation (eq. 73) gμνxμxν = 0 under the conditions of Huygens' principle expressed as dB = (∂ϒ/∂x1)dx2 Both equations are expressed in tensors. So I don't think a special coordinate system was...

The equation is: B = ∫(∂γ/∂x1)dx2 where B is the deflection, γ is the speed of light in units of c, and the subscript notation is used to index tensors. This is found on page 163 in Section 22 of The Principle of Relativity, Dover Publications, 1952.

Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity, Einstein

In deriving the expression for the deflection Φ of light around a massive body, invoking Huygens' principle, Einstein arrived at the equation: dΦ/dx2 = dγ/dx1 where γ is the speed of light in units of c, and the xμ are space coordinates. How is this equation arrived at?

Please consider the following: Assuming a simple harmonic oscillation of the gravitational potential centered at -GM/l, and with extrema labeled 1 and 2, then: a. the shifts in the potential are equal and opposite: -(GM/l - GM/r1) = -(-(GM/l - GM/r2)) Dividing by GM reveals l as the...

What are the physical significances of the eccentricity and of the semi-latus rectum of the orbital ellipse?

What are the physical significances of the eccentricity and of the semi-latus rectum of the orbital ellipse?