Novice's Question: Understanding Photon & Spacetime Curvature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of photons in relation to spacetime curvature as described by general relativity. Participants explore the reasons why photons, as electromagnetic particles, follow the curvature created by gravitational fields, and the implications of this behavior in the context of both classical and quantum theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant explains that massive objects warp spacetime, causing light to bend, a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, referencing Einstein's general relativity.
  • Another participant suggests that the original question may stem from a misunderstanding, proposing that the OP might be conflating photons with all bosons and questioning the role of gravitons in this context.
  • A different perspective emphasizes that all particles, not just photons, follow the curvature of spacetime, framing this as a fundamental assumption of general relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the question regarding photons and their relationship to spacetime curvature. There is no consensus on whether the OP's question is correctly framed or on the implications of gravitons in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of particles and forces involved, particularly concerning the role of gravitons and the distinction between photons and other bosons. The discussion does not reach a definitive conclusion on these points.

yoquan
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Hi all,

Could anyone tell me why photons - electromagnetic ones - always follow the curve created by spacetime - gravitation's one?

I would appreciate so much if someone gives me a natural explanation.
Thank you in advance.
 
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The gravity from a massive object warps space time according to Einstein's General Relativity, and thus bends everything contained, including light. Called "gravitational lensing," it was first described by a Mr. Chwolson in 1924, but more famously discussed and described by Einstein in '36.

Also, you mentioned "electromagnetic photons;" all photons are defined as electromagnetic force particles, so all of them are the electromagnetic ones.
 
I think the OP thinks Photons refers to all Bosons, I am pretty sure his question is:

Could anyone tell me why Photons always follow the curve created by gravitons?

As of now we don't really have a rigorous mathematical theory that incorporates gravitons, though they have been conjectured to exist in the Standard model, because all the other fundamental forces of nature have messenger Bosons as well.

If you just change your question to "...always follows the curve in spacetime created by a large gravitational force" then Mk answers the question quite nicely.
 
yoquan said:
Could anyone tell me why photons - electromagnetic ones - always follow the curve created by spacetime - gravitation's one?

Why do you ask about photons in particular, as opposed to particles in general?

Everything that moves through spacetime "follows" the curvature of spacetime. I suppose you could call that a fundamental assumption of general relativity.
 

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