Electromagnetism and Light Questions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion addresses two key questions about electromagnetism and light. First, it confirms that the Sun's mass decreases due to the fusion of hydrogen into helium, which releases energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Second, it clarifies that the speed of light remains constant in a vacuum, regardless of distance from Earth, although gravity can cause redshift, affecting the wavelength of light. The conversation also touches on the implications of gravity on light, suggesting it may bend due to gravitational effects. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the relationship between mass, energy, and light in astrophysics.
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Hello,
I want to know the right answers to these questions.
I will try to state my answers but I want to know if they are right or wrong.
Thanks.

Homework Statement



1.Does the Sun's mass decrease due to its radiating electromagnetic waves?
2.Does the speed of a light beam change as it travels away from the surface of the Earth? Ignore the Earth's atmosphere.


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution


1.The sun gives off radiation and energy. Hence yes. (I'm not quite sure but that's the best answer I could come up with)
2.No, light has no mass. If the Earth's atmosphere is ignored. It wouldn't make any difference in the outer space.
 
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1. The sun's mass decreases when it fuses lighter elements into heavier elements (and thus giving off radiation). I think it's on the order of 0,4% of the mass that gets converted into energy when 2 hydrogen fuses to helium, but don't quote me on it,

2. if the Earth's atmosphere is ignored then no, the speed of light in a vacuum is always the same, C. The Earth's gravity would however redshift the wavelength of the light.
 
Thanks hells

For #2. How does the gravity affect the wavelength of the light? Does that mean a bending of the light?
 
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