Electromagnetism and Light Questions

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SUMMARY

The discussion addresses two fundamental questions regarding electromagnetism and light. Firstly, the Sun's mass decreases due to the fusion of hydrogen into helium, resulting in energy release, approximately 0.4% of its mass being converted to energy. Secondly, the speed of light remains constant at 'C' in a vacuum, unaffected by Earth's gravity when the atmosphere is ignored; however, gravity does cause a redshift in the light's wavelength. These concepts are crucial for understanding the relationship between mass, energy, and light propagation in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fusion processes in stars
  • Familiarity with the concept of light speed in a vacuum
  • Knowledge of gravitational effects on light, specifically gravitational redshift
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of nuclear fusion in stars, focusing on hydrogen to helium conversion
  • Study the implications of gravitational redshift in astrophysics
  • Explore the principles of electromagnetism and its relation to light propagation
  • Investigate the effects of gravity on light in various cosmic environments
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and light behavior in gravitational fields.

appplejack
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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?
 
Last edited:

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