Impact parameter of a photon in Schwarzchild metric

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact parameter of a photon in the Schwarzschild metric, specifically addressing Question 9.20 from Hobson's book. The impact parameter is defined as b = r(√(r/(r-2μ))). The user initially utilized the geodesic equations to derive the relationship between the angular velocity and the impact parameter but struggled with the expression for dφ/dt. Ultimately, the user resolved the issue by applying the metric for lightlike separation and evaluating it at the surface of the massive sphere, confirming the relationship b = h/k.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Schwarzschild metric and its implications for light propagation
  • Familiarity with geodesic equations in general relativity
  • Knowledge of the concept of impact parameter in the context of photon trajectories
  • Basic grasp of differential equations and their application in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of geodesic equations in the Schwarzschild metric
  • Learn about lightlike separation metrics and their applications in general relativity
  • Explore the concept of impact parameters in gravitational lensing scenarios
  • Investigate the implications of photon trajectories near massive bodies
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of general relativity, and anyone interested in the behavior of light in strong gravitational fields.

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Hi, I'm having trouble answering Question 9.20 in Hobson's book (Link: http://tinyurl.com/pjsymtd). This asks to prove that a photon will just graze the surface of a massive sphere if the impact parameter is b = r(\frac{r}{r-2\mu})^\frac{1}{2}

So far I have used the geodeisic equations (1-\frac{2\mu}{r})\dot{t} = k and r^2\dot{\phi} = h to give \frac{d\phi}{dt} = \frac{b(1-\frac{2\mu}{r})}{r^2} and b = h/k due to the argument given here http://www.physicspages.com/2013/06/13/photon-equations-of-motion/

This is extremely close to the actual result but I can't figure out why \frac{d\phi}{dt}=\frac{1}{b}.

Any help? Thank you!
 
I solved it myself. The metric for lightlike separation implies g_{00}\dot{t}^2 +g_{11}\dot{r}^2+g_{22}\dot{\phi}^2 =0 and we have expressions for phi dot and t dot from the OP. Just plug them in and since the expression is true everywhere we evaluate it on the surface of the star i.e where motion is purely tangential -> r dot is zero. So we just arrange the above equation for b = h/k to get the required answer.
 

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