SUMMARY
Photons are indeed affected by gravity, as they follow the curvature of spacetime created by massive objects. When the escape velocity of a celestial body exceeds the speed of light, photons cannot escape, particularly evident in black holes where the event horizon marks this boundary. Gravitational lensing occurs when light bends around massive objects, illustrating how gravity influences light's path. The distinction between velocity and acceleration is crucial, as 9.8 m/s² represents gravitational acceleration, not a direct comparison to the speed of light.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of general relativity and spacetime curvature
- Familiarity with the concept of escape velocity
- Knowledge of black holes and event horizons
- Basic physics principles regarding velocity and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
- Research gravitational lensing and its applications in astronomy
- Study the properties and implications of black holes and their event horizons
- Explore the principles of general relativity as formulated by Albert Einstein
- Learn about the differences between velocity and acceleration in physics
USEFUL FOR
Astronomers, physicists, students of general relativity, and anyone interested in the interaction between light and gravity.