Why did Einstein change his prediction about bended light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Albert Einstein's change in prediction regarding the bending of light as described in his general theory of relativity. Participants explore the reasons behind this alteration, including mathematical and conceptual considerations, as well as the implications of curved spacetime on light behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that Einstein initially predicted light bending based on Newtonian mechanics before developing general relativity, which led to a revised prediction that was a factor of two larger.
  • Another participant questions the reasoning behind Einstein's change, seeking clarification on the specific equations that prompted this adjustment.
  • There is a mention of the universe's curved spacetime, with one participant asserting that while it affects cosmological scales, it does not influence solar-system tests of general relativity.
  • A link to an external explanation is provided, suggesting that further details can be found there.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons for Einstein's prediction change, with no consensus reached on the specific mathematical justifications or implications of the universe's curvature on this phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of light and gravity are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in Einstein's predictions.

Bjarne
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When Albert Einstein published the general theory of relativity he predicted that light would bend.

But before the measurement experiment was executed he changes that prediction. The last prediction was a factor 2 larger.

So far I remember he claimed that this was because also the whole Universe bends also bends (which I find hard to believe).

What was really the reason to that he changed his prediction, (he could not know that the whole Universe would cause exactly the double effects) – there must have been mathematical reason that had force him to change his prediction, - but which?
 
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It's true that the universe has curved spacetime (if that's what you meant by "bends"), but that's on a cosmological scale, and it has no effect on solar-system tests of general relativity.

Einstein's original prediction was made after he'd published special relativity, but before he developed general relativity. It's simply the prediction you get if you use Newtonian mechanics and treat a ray of light as a particle. After he figured out general relativity, which is the relativistic theory of gravity, he figured out that the prediction should be twice as big.
 
bcrowell said:
After he figured out general relativity, which is the relativistic theory of gravity, he figured out that the prediction should be twice as big.

But why did he do that?
Which equations did show he should?
 

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