2006-09-23 20:29:41 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Gravity affects light. But because light particle(photons) are so light that we do not feel it. This is detailed in General theory of relativity where gravitaional bending of light is explained
2006-09-23 21:36:23 · answer #1 · answered by Mein Hoon Na 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity, or more precisely, the curvature of spacetime due to the matter of massive bodies, DOES affect the path of a photon.
We all know thanks to Newton that all objects will maintain their state of motion unless acted upon by some external force. That force is gravity. Einstein showed us that the effect we perceive as gravity is a result of the curvature of spacetime. The Earth travels in a perfectly straight line through the curvature of spacetime caused by the mass of the Sun. Light photons also follow the curvature of spacetime.
2006-09-24 03:42:32 · answer #2 · answered by quntmphys238 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more difficult question is why *does* gravity affect light, as light doesn't have mass. General relativity provides the answer, but frankly, I can't say I completely understand it.
2006-09-24 03:37:42 · answer #3 · answered by Thomas C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does. Einstein predicted that it would be, and a few years later it was proven during a total solar eclipse. A star that was known to be behind the sun was visible, as the light from it was deflected by the sun's gravity field.
2006-09-24 03:35:17 · answer #4 · answered by mlamb56 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
gravity affects light. as gravity is the curvature of spacetime , light follows the curved path and therefore it bends.
note: spacetime curve in the presence of large masses and energy
2006-09-24 05:08:36 · answer #5 · answered by superlaminal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, you guys are forgetting something. Wave-particular duality, whereby light photons apply. Maybe we could have someone to explain this with regard to the particle features of light photons.
2006-09-24 03:59:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on how large the mass creating the gravity is. usually it will bend light, but with infinately large masses (a black hole) light cannot escape and is consumed by the gravitational pull.
2006-09-24 03:33:18 · answer #7 · answered by Josh C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it does affect..otherwise, when your talking bout the black hole, that's the time that light can't withstand the strength of the gravity that's why light can't penetrate..
2006-09-24 03:39:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it does affect light.....u can see proof of this on a solar eclipse u can see the nearby sun stars light being slightly bent.
2006-09-24 04:09:23 · answer #9 · answered by pbmaze 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does, otherwise you'd be able to see black holes
2006-09-24 03:32:03 · answer #10 · answered by Eddy G 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋