Why does light travels in all directions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the misconception that photons are unaffected by gravity and the nature of light propagation in a vacuum. It is established that while photons are massless particles, they are indeed affected by gravity, contrary to the initial assertion. The conversation highlights the distinction between fermions and photons, clarifying that movement is not solely caused by gravity. The thread concludes with a reminder that personal theories are not permitted in scientific discussions.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as gravity and light propagation.
  • Knowledge of particle physics, specifically the differences between fermions and photons.
  • Familiarity with the principles of relativity and how they relate to light behavior.
  • Awareness of scientific discussion etiquette and the importance of evidence-based theories.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of gravity on light, specifically through General Relativity.
  • Learn about the properties and behaviors of photons in various mediums.
  • Explore the concept of spacetime and how it relates to the movement of light.
  • Investigate the distinctions between mass, matter, and the role of fermions in physics.
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of light and gravity in the context of modern physics.

atuldpatil
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My understanding of time, gravity and speed of light:

Earth revolves around the Sun. Sun revolves around Milky Way centre. Milky Way also keeps moving. All these movements are caused by gravity. Thus, all that what is formed by fermions (particles causing mass) has been affected by gravity. But photons (particles of light) are not affected by gravity. Because unlike fermions, photons are not mass particles. Thus, actually it's we who move away from photons making us feel light travels away from us. (Please correct me if am wrong anywhere in my understanding)Question:

Now I have this question. Let's assume we are in space(vacuum) with a source of light with us. At any given time t1 when our source of light emits a photon, it should remain at same position (unaffected by gravity). And at the time t2 (say a second after t1) we'll move away (because of the gravity) from that photon, with the light source still with us emitting photons.

Thus, we should see trail of light only from t1 to t2 (and this should be 299,792,458 meters long as that much is "speed of light" means we've came away that much distance from first photon in a second after t1)

However, in reality this doesn't happen and we see photons emitted at t1 goes in all directions when we reach to t2. Can someone please explain this?
 
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atuldpatil said:
All these movements are caused by gravity. Thus, all that what is formed by fermions (particles causing mass) has been affected by gravity
No, movement is not necessarily caused by gravity. It may be effected by it, but gravity is not necessary for movement.

Fermions do not cause mass. Also, there are massive particles which are not fermions. Do not confuse mass with matter.

atuldpatil said:
But photons (particles of light) are not affected by gravity.
This is not correct. Photons are affected by gravity.

atuldpatil said:
Thus, actually it's we who move away from photons making us feel light travels away from us.
This is a personal philosophy which has very little to do with actual physics. Please note that posting personal theories is not allowed at PF.

The rest of your post is based on the above misconception and therefore moot. Thread closed.
 

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