Electromagnetic Radiation in Strong Gravity Field

In summary, the electric and magnetic fields of electromagnetic radiation in intense gravity remain perpendicular, as expected classically. However, in cases of significant quantum mechanical scale curvature, light must be modeled as a quantum field phenomenon rather than classical EM waves.
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tmhen
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TL;DR Summary
Electric and magnetic fields of electromagnetic radiation in intense gravity.
Does the electric and magnetic fields of electromagnetic radiation remain perpendicular in the presence of an intense gravity field? If not, what is the physical ramifications of this?
 
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  • #2
tmhen said:
Summary:: Electric and magnetic fields of electromagnetic radiation in intense gravity.

Does the electric and magnetic fields of electromagnetic radiation remain perpendicular in the presence of an intense gravity field? If not, what is the physical ramifications of this?
The local behaviour of light in curved spacetime is the same as in flat spacetime (no gravity). A local observer measuring the local EM fields would get the same results as expected classically.

For example, in curved spacetime the local speed of light is ##c##.

The only exception is where the curvature of spacetime is significant on a quantum mechanical scale. For that case you would have to model light as a quantum field phenomenon, rather than classical EM waves.
 

1. What is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that consists of electric and magnetic fields oscillating at right angles to each other and traveling through space at the speed of light.

2. How does electromagnetic radiation behave in a strong gravity field?

In a strong gravity field, electromagnetic radiation follows the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of massive objects. This can cause the radiation to bend or be distorted.

3. What are some examples of strong gravity fields?

Some examples of strong gravity fields include black holes, neutron stars, and the strong gravitational pull near the surface of a massive planet or star.

4. How is electromagnetic radiation affected by a black hole?

As electromagnetic radiation approaches a black hole, it can be pulled in and absorbed by the black hole's intense gravitational pull. This can also cause the radiation to be redshifted, meaning its wavelength is stretched and its frequency decreases.

5. Can electromagnetic radiation escape from a black hole?

No, once electromagnetic radiation crosses the event horizon of a black hole, it cannot escape. However, some radiation may be emitted from the black hole's accretion disk or jets before crossing the event horizon.

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