Light Bending in Accelerating Elevators

In summary, the behavior of horizontal light in an accelerating elevator can be described as following a geodesic line in a space curved by a gravitational equivalent or as being deflected and picking up a vertical component while still moving at the speed of light.
  • #1
trizz10
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When horizontal light "bends" in an accelerating elevator is it following the geodesic line of a space curved by a gravitational equivalent or is it deflected, picking up a vertical component at the expense of the horizontal, though still going c.
 
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  • #2
trizz10 said:
When horizontal light "bends" in an accelerating elevator is it following the geodesic line of a space curved by a gravitational equivalent or is it deflected, picking up a vertical component at the expense of the horizontal, though still going c.

Either one. These are just two different descriptions in two different coordinate systems. In both cases, the light ray follows a geodesic.
 

What is the "Light in Elevator Question"?

The "Light in Elevator Question" is a thought experiment used to demonstrate the principles of relativity and the behavior of light in different frames of reference.

How does the "Light in Elevator Question" work?

In the thought experiment, a person is standing in an elevator with a flashlight. When the elevator is stationary, the person turns on the flashlight and sees the beam of light travel in a straight line. However, when the elevator begins to move, the person sees the beam of light travel in a curved path. This demonstrates how the motion of the elevator can affect the behavior of light.

What does the "Light in Elevator Question" demonstrate about relativity?

The "Light in Elevator Question" demonstrates the principle of relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. In this case, the person in the elevator and an outside observer will have different perceptions of the behavior of light due to their different frames of reference.

Why is the "Light in Elevator Question" important in science?

The "Light in Elevator Question" is important in science because it helps to illustrate complex concepts such as relativity and the behavior of light in a simple and relatable way. It also highlights the importance of considering different frames of reference in scientific experiments and observations.

Are there any real-life applications of the "Light in Elevator Question"?

Yes, the principles demonstrated in the "Light in Elevator Question" have real-life applications in fields such as physics and engineering. For example, understanding how the motion of an object can affect the behavior of light is important in fields such as optics and space travel.

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