Is photon gravity lensing affected by frequency (energy)?

AI Thread Summary
Gravitational lensing is not affected by the frequency or energy of photons; all light is deflected equally regardless of its energy level. The misconception that higher energy photons would be deflected more due to increased mass is incorrect, as gravitational deflection depends on the speed of light rather than its mass. The discussion clarifies that, similar to massive objects in Newtonian gravity, the deflection of light is consistent across different frequencies. The relationship between energy and mass, as stated in E=mc², does not apply in this context for photons. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the nature of gravitational lensing.
Benwade
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Homework Statement


I am NOT a student. Please forgive my asking here, but if you do choose to answer, I would appreciate it.

Obviously any or all of the statements below may be incorrect...

As I understand it:
The more energy a photon has (I know it's also a wave) the greater the frequency.
Energy = mass (not necessarily matter obviously)
The more mass the more a photon would be deflected (let's say by passing by a black hole)
Is gravitational lensing affected by frequency?

Homework Equations


E=MC^2 comes to mind.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm stumped. (I realize that not saying much).
Perhaps, just as all weights fall at the same rate (Barring air resistance) they deflect to the same degree?
Perhaps mass and momentum should be treated separately? Because I'm conflating resistance to turning as mass having momentum?That you for your insight. I apologize for disturbing the forum.
 
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Benwade said:
Energy = mass (not necessarily matter obviously)
This is not true.
Benwade said:
The more mass the more a photon would be deflected (let's say by passing by a black hole)
No. Deflection is the same for all light. There is no need to consider relativistic effects to understand this: the same is true to normal massive objects in Newtonian gravity: deflection depends on the speed, but not on the mass.
 
mfb said:
This is not true.
No. Deflection is the same for all light. There is no need to consider relativistic effects to understand this: the same is true to normal massive objects in Newtonian gravity: deflection depends on the speed, but not on the mass.

Thank you. I just wondered, and I didn't know enough (any) physics to answer the question myself.
 
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