Motion of light in a gravitational field

[khil_phys]

Would it be correct to say that light follows a cycloidal path in the presence of a gravitaitonal field, in accordance with the principle of least time?

 

[oli4]

Hi Khil_phys
Why cycloidal ? don't you mean brachistochronic ?

 

[khil_phys]

I did mean brachistochronic. What will be that brachistochrone?

 

[A.T.]

Why cycloidal ? don't you mean brachistochronic ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachistochrone_curve#The_brachistochrone_is_the_cycloid

 

[A.T.]

Would it be correct to say that light follows a cycloidal path in the presence of a gravitaitonal field, in accordance with the principle of least time?

No. The brachistochrone is quickest path in gravity for a massive object with zero initial velocity. But light already has an initial velocity, and the path is dependent on its initial direction.

 

[oli4]

Thank you :)

 

[oli4]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachis...is_the_cycloid[/QUOTE]

Thank you A.T. :)