Concept explainers
We readily note the bending of light by reflection and refraction, but why are we not aware of the bending of light by gravity?
To explain: The reason for no awareness of the bending of light due to gravity.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
According to equivalence principle, the action of gravity should be attributed to the curvature of space-time.
Calculation:
Consider that a light beam is thrown sideways in the “spaceship at rest position” and also assume that this occurs in the absence of gravity.
Consider two observers, one inside and another outside the spaceship.
Then, the light beam will travel in a “straight line path” with respect to both the observer.
When the stationary spaceship starts accelerating, the floor overtakes the light beam and hits the wall just below from where the light is emitted.
The light beam will be in straight line to the “observer present outside the spaceship”.
The light beam will be a curved line to the “observer present inside the spaceship”. This bending of light occurs due to the effect of gravity.
Conclusion:
Thus, the bending of light occurs by reflection, refraction, and also by gravity.
Chapter 16 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Modern Physics
Conceptual Integrated Science
University Physics Volume 1
The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals (2nd Edition)
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON