Light Bending on Single Point: What Happens?

In summary: However, if the light passes near star B, its path will be affected by the mass of the star and it will bend. The second question is answered by the first, as the second option is not possible in this scenario. In summary, if the light travels directly from star A to star B and is heading towards the center point of star B, it will not bend. However, if it passes near star B, the light will be affected by the mass of the star and will bend.
  • #1
Uzbar Zibil Tarag
6
0
Say you have two stars, star A and star B, separated by a distance of x, and the light from star A went directly from A to B but was heading directly for the centre point of star B.
If the light passed near star B then due to the mass the will bend, yet if it was to pass through (or try to) the centre with all other forces consider negligible which direction would the light bend to? Or would it bend at all?
 
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  • #2
Uzbar Zibil Tarag said:
which direction would the light bend to? Or would it bend at all?
The first question basically answers the second.
 
  • #3
How?
The first part is asking if light will bend the second part is offering a second option that light might take in this situation.
 
  • #4
If you send a light ray straight through a star then of course (by rotational symmetry) it can not bend in any direction. The wavelength of the light will of course be affected by the gravitational field but the direction will not.
 
  • #5
Uzbar Zibil Tarag said:
the light from star A went directly from A to B but was heading directly for the centre point of star B.

If that is true then the light won't bend at all, it will just hit star B and be absorbed.
 

Related to Light Bending on Single Point: What Happens?

1. What is light bending on a single point?

Light bending on a single point, also known as refraction, is the phenomenon where light changes direction as it passes through a medium with a different optical density. This change in direction is caused by the change in speed of light as it moves from one medium to another.

2. What happens to light when it bends on a single point?

When light bends on a single point, it changes direction and can also change its speed and wavelength. This can result in a change in the appearance of the light, such as when a pencil appears to bend or break when placed in a glass of water.

3. Why does light bend on a single point?

Light bends on a single point due to the change in speed of light as it passes through a medium with a different optical density. This change in speed causes the light to refract, or bend, in order to maintain a straight path.

4. What factors affect light bending on a single point?

The amount of bending that occurs when light passes through a single point is dependent on the angle at which the light enters the medium, the difference in optical density between the two mediums, and the wavelength of the light.

5. How is light bending on a single point used in practical applications?

Light bending on a single point is used in various optical instruments, such as lenses and prisms, to manipulate and focus light. It is also utilized in technologies such as fiber optics and laser technology for communication and medical purposes.

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