Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the force of gravity between a photon and the Earth, exploring theoretical approaches to calculate this force using gravitational equations and concepts from relativity. Participants consider both classical and relativistic frameworks, as well as experimental evidence related to photon behavior in gravitational fields.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- One participant proposes using the gravitational force equation F=(GMm)/(r^2) by first converting the energy of a photon (E=hf) into mass equivalence (E=mc^2) to find the force between a photon and the Earth.
- Another participant challenges this approach, noting that the observed deflection of light due to gravity is twice what would be expected from Newtonian calculations, referencing early tests of General Relativity (GR).
- Repeated inquiries are made about how to accurately calculate the gravitational interaction between a photon and the Earth.
- A suggestion is made to review the Mossbauer Effect experiments, which measured the energy gain of photons in a gravitational field, as a relevant experimental context.
- It is noted that both Newtonian and relativistic calculations for bending light are available, indicating the complexity of the topic.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the method for calculating the gravitational force between a photon and the Earth, with multiple competing views and approaches presented.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the limitations of applying classical mechanics to photons, the dependence on relativistic effects, and the unresolved nature of the calculations proposed.