Does gravity affect to wavelengths?

This is due to the effects of gravity on the wavelength of light.In summary, the wavelength of light is frame-dependent and can change as it approaches a gravity field. Different gravity fields can also have different effects on the wavelength of light, so it is important to specify both the reference frame and the properties of the gravity field in order to accurately answer the question. For example, in the reference frame of observers on a non-rotating spherical planet, the wavelength of light will be shorter for observers closer to the planet's surface.
  • #1
Keru
20
1
My question is... Does the wavelength of light (in vacuum space, of course) suffer changes as it approaches to a gravity field, or simply stays the same?
 
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  • #2
Wavelengths are frame variant, so they depend on the reference frame used to measure them. So you need to specify the frames before your question can be answered. Also, different gravity fields have different properties, so you need to specify that also.

If you consider the gravity field around a spherical non-rotating planet and the reference frame of observers which are stationary wrt the planet then the wavelength will be shorter for observers lower down.
 
  • #3
Keru said:
My question is... Does the wavelength of light (in vacuum space, of course) suffer changes as it approaches to a gravity field, or simply stays the same?

It changes. As a simple example, if you are standing on the surface of the Earth and shine a flashlight into outer space, the energy of that light beam will become progressively red-shifted the farther it travels out into space. Conversely, if you were in outer space shining a flashlight towards the Earth, the energy of the light beam would become progressively blue-shifted as it approached the Earth.
 

1. How does gravity affect the wavelength of light?

Gravity does not directly affect the wavelength of light. Light travels in a straight line and its wavelength remains constant as it passes through a gravitational field. However, gravity can indirectly affect the observed wavelength of light due to the phenomenon of gravitational redshift.

2. What is gravitational redshift?

Gravitational redshift refers to the shift in the wavelength of light as it travels through a gravitational field. According to the theory of general relativity, the wavelength of light increases as it moves away from a massive object, resulting in a shift towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

3. Is the effect of gravity on wavelengths the same for all types of waves?

No, the effect of gravity on wavelengths varies depending on the type of wave. For example, the wavelength of light may be affected by gravitational redshift, while the wavelength of sound waves is not affected by gravity.

4. Can gravity affect the wavelength of matter waves?

Yes, gravity can affect the wavelength of matter waves, also known as de Broglie waves. According to the de Broglie equation, the wavelength of matter waves is inversely proportional to the momentum of the particle. Since gravity can affect the momentum of particles, it can indirectly affect their wavelength.

5. How does the strength of gravity affect the wavelength of light?

The strength of gravity does not directly affect the wavelength of light. However, the stronger the gravitational field, the greater the amount of gravitational redshift observed. This means that the wavelength of light will be shifted towards the red end of the spectrum to a greater degree in a stronger gravitational field.

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