Connection of General relativity and geometric Refraction of light

In summary, the conversation discusses the attempt to obtain refraction of light near the sun by replacing its gravitational field with aether with different speeds of light. However, this approach does not yield the correct result and the speaker asks for clarification on where they may have gone wrong. The conversation also mentions a possible refraction law and equation for light near the sun, but these do not provide an accurate solution. The idea has been previously discussed and resources are suggested for further research.
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exponent137
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I tried to obtain refraction of light by sun's gravity by substitution of sun's gravitational field by aether with different speeds of light.
I do not get right result. Where I am wrong?

For light which travel close to the sun by direct trajectory, I get the following speed of light in dependence of angle phi.


C=c0 (1-g cos(phi)/(1-g cos(phi)^3)^(1/2)

g=2GM/(r c^2).
r is the closest radius to the sun.

I suppose that refraction law is

dc = d(alpha) * tg(phi)

Where alpha is small refraction and phi is angle regarding sun.



But this do not give right solution in the first approximation, which is alpha = 2g.

Equation for c I get from Schwarzschild equation.

c0^2 dt^2 (1-2g cos(phi)) - dx^2/(1-2g cos(phi))-r cos(phi)^2...=0
 
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The connection between general relativity and geometric refraction of light can be explained through the concept of spacetime curvature. In general relativity, gravity is not seen as a force between masses, but rather as a curvature in the fabric of spacetime caused by massive objects. This curvature affects the path of light, causing it to bend as it travels near massive objects like the sun.

In your attempt to obtain refraction of light by substituting the sun's gravitational field with a hypothetical aether with varying speeds of light, you are essentially trying to recreate the effects of spacetime curvature. However, this approach is not correct because the concept of aether has been disproven by experiments and is not a part of modern physics.

Furthermore, your proposed refraction law does not take into account the effects of spacetime curvature on the path of light. In general relativity, the bending of light is described by the geodesic equation, which takes into account the curvature of spacetime. This equation predicts a bending of light that is twice the value of your proposed refraction law.

In summary, your approach to obtaining refraction of light by substituting the sun's gravitational field with aether and using a refraction law that does not account for spacetime curvature is not correct. To fully understand the connection between general relativity and geometric refraction of light, one must consider the effects of spacetime curvature on the path of light.
 

1. How is general relativity related to the refraction of light?

General relativity is a theory that describes the relationship between gravity and the geometry of space-time. The theory explains how mass and energy can warp the fabric of space-time, causing objects to move in a curved path. The refraction of light is a phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a medium with varying densities, causing it to change direction. In general relativity, the warping of space-time can also affect the path of light, leading to the observed refraction.

2. Can general relativity explain all aspects of geometric refraction of light?

While general relativity can provide an explanation for the overall phenomenon of refraction, it may not be able to fully explain all the intricacies and details of geometric refraction of light. Other theories, such as quantum mechanics, may also play a role in understanding the behavior of light in different mediums.

3. How does the bending of space-time affect the speed of light?

In general relativity, the speed of light is considered a fundamental constant and is not affected by the warping of space-time. However, the path that light takes can be altered by the warping of space-time, leading to the observed refraction.

4. How does the theory of general relativity impact our understanding of the refraction of light?

General relativity provides a deeper understanding of the underlying principles behind the refraction of light. It allows us to view the phenomenon from a different perspective and provides a more comprehensive explanation for why light behaves the way it does in different mediums.

5. Are there any practical applications of the connection between general relativity and geometric refraction of light?

While the connection between general relativity and geometric refraction of light may seem abstract, it has practical applications in fields such as astrophysics and cosmology. Understanding how light is affected by the warping of space-time can help us make more accurate observations and predictions about the behavior of light in the vast expanse of the universe.

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