Light Deflection & Speed: Gravity's Effect?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether gravity can reduce the speed of light and if there is an equation to calculate the deflection of light due to gravity. It is clarified that gravity does not deflect light, but rather curves spacetime. The possibility of a simple equation is mentioned, but it is suggested to research "gravitational deflection of light" for more information. One source with a potentially relevant equation is provided, but it is noted that a general relativity approach may be more complicated.
  • #1
zepp0814
28
0
is it possible that gravity reduce the speed of light, and addtionally does anyone know an equation to calculate the exact deflection of light due to gravity.
 
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  • #2
It does not reduce the speed but does reduce the energy.

Note that specifically gravity doesn't deflect light. Light follows geodesics, which are "curved" by gravity.

Specifically gravity curves spacetime, light travels geodesic paths through spacetime.
 
  • #3
thanks a lot but so is there a fairly simple to equation that some what accurately predict the bend in the light
 
  • #4
zepp0814 said:
thanks a lot but so is there a fairly simple to equation that some what accurately predict the bend in the light?

It is with astounding self-restraint that I resist the temptation to answer exactly the question you asked (The answer is "yes") and instead suggest that if you google for "gravitational deflection of light" you'll get many references at various levels of complexity.

The very last equation at http://www.theory.caltech.edu/people/patricia/lclens.html is probably pretty close to what you're looking for.
 
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  • #5
Yes it would be a simple equation, that said I'd imagine a GR approach would be very complicated.

I don't know of a common way to calculate, surely though there are many different ways to.
 

1. What is light deflection and how does it relate to gravity?

Light deflection refers to the bending of light as it passes through a gravitational field. This is a result of the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of massive objects, such as planets or stars. This effect was famously predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.

2. How does gravity affect the speed of light?

Gravity does not directly affect the speed of light. The speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics and is not changed by any external factors. However, light can appear to be moving at a slower speed when it is passing through a medium with a high gravitational field, such as near a black hole.

3. Can light be completely deflected by gravity?

No, light cannot be completely deflected by gravity. According to general relativity, light always travels in a straight line, but its path may appear curved when passing through a gravitational field. In some extreme cases, such as near a black hole, light can be deflected by a large amount, but it will never be completely stopped or turned back on its path.

4. How does the amount of deflection of light relate to the mass of an object?

The amount of deflection of light is directly proportional to the mass of an object. This means that the larger the mass of an object, the greater the curvature of spacetime it creates, and therefore the more the light passing through it will be bent. This is why massive objects, like galaxies and black holes, have a significant gravitational lensing effect on the light passing through them.

5. Can we observe light deflection and its effects on Earth?

Yes, we can observe light deflection and its effects on Earth. One of the most famous examples is the observation of stars appearing to be in different positions during a solar eclipse due to the deflection of light by the Sun's gravitational field. This phenomenon, known as gravitational lensing, is also used by scientists to study distant galaxies and map the distribution of dark matter in the universe.

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