Chapter 16, Problem 17A

What is the evidence for light bending near the sun?

To determine

The evidence of the light that bends around the sun.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Einstein proposed general theory of relativity. According to it, gravitation is not a force but it is an effect of a body on the space time curvature. massive body creates a bend in space time continuum. Einstein also predicted that light bends due to gravity.

Sir Arthur Eddington took a photograph in 1919 of the total solar eclipse which showed stars near the sun and their positions revealed that light was bent exactly the way Einstein had estimated.