Light Curve Space: Can Light Beams Attract?

In summary, a light beam with photonic mass is theoretically capable of attracting other light beams through gravity, although the effect is too small to be observed in practical cases. However, there is no attraction between beams traveling in parallel in the same direction, but there is attraction between beams traveling in opposite directions. This is based on the Einstein stress energy momentum tensor, which is the source of all gravity. It is unlikely for this phenomenon to occur on a perceivable level, but in theory, if many pulse laser beams were focused and timed to arrive at the same point simultaneously, they could potentially form a black hole without any matter present, demonstrating the curvature of space.
  • #1
aditya23456
114
0
is energy(with photonic mass)of a light beam capable of gravitationally attracting other light beam in absence of other gravity sources..
 
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  • #2
aditya23456 said:
is energy(with photonic mass)of a light beam capable of gravitationally attracting other light beam in absence of other gravity sources..

Yes, in theory, although the effect is of course too small to be observable in any known practical case. Note however that there is no attraction between beams traveling in parallel in the same direction (but there is attraction between beams traveling in opposite direction).
 
  • #3
Jonathan Scott said:
Note however that there is no attraction between beams traveling in parallel in the same direction (but there is attraction between beams traveling in opposite direction).

Yea i get it that its very small in magnitude..but is there any info abt what u stated..viz same direction doesn't attract and parallel attract...is there any theory for it.?
 
  • #4
The theory for it stems from the Einstein stress energy momentum tensor. It is the source of all gravity.
 
  • #5
For practical purposes no, that's something that cannot happen on any perceivable level.
 
  • #6
I imagine if we had billions of pulse laser beams all focused at the same point and timed so that all the photons arrived at that point simultaneously they could form a black hole without any matter being present. That would definitely curve space ;)
 

Related to Light Curve Space: Can Light Beams Attract?

1. How does light curve space?

Light curves space due to the effects of gravity. According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, mass can cause the curvature of space and time. Light, which has no mass, can also be affected by gravity and thus curves as it travels through space.

2. Can light beams attract or repel each other?

Light beams do not have an electrical charge, so they cannot attract or repel each other in the same way that charged particles do. However, they can be affected by other forces, such as gravity or the magnetic field, which can cause them to change direction or change their path.

3. What is the relationship between light and gravity?

Light and gravity are both fundamental forces in the universe. While light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, gravity is a force that results from the curvature of space and time. Light can be influenced by gravity, causing it to bend or curve, but it does not directly interact with gravity in the same way that matter does.

4. Can light be used to study the curvature of space?

Yes, light can be used to study the curvature of space. Astronomers use a phenomenon called gravitational lensing, where light from distant objects is bent by the gravitational pull of massive objects in its path. This allows scientists to observe the effects of gravity on light and gather information about the curvature of space.

5. Is light affected by the curvature of space?

Yes, light is affected by the curvature of space. According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, the path of light can be curved by the presence of massive objects or strong gravitational fields. This is why we observe phenomena such as gravitational lensing, where the light from distant objects is bent by the curvature of space.

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