Photons and gravitational field

In summary, a photon is a massless fundamental particle of light that carries electromagnetic energy and travels at the speed of light. The gravitational field can affect photons by causing them to curve in their path, known as gravitational lensing. Despite having no mass, photons can be affected by gravity due to their energy interacting with massive objects. They can also interact with matter by being absorbed, reflected, or emitted, which allows us to see objects. In the theory of general relativity, photons play a crucial role in explaining the effects of gravity on light and were key in confirming Einstein's theory.
  • #1
cragar
2,552
3
Can the B field of a photon be affected by the gravitational field of another photon?
 
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  • #2
Yes, everything is affected by gravity. Allthough in this case, the effect would be exceedingly small, of course. Many orders of magnitude smaller than what is experimentally measurable.

Two photons can also interact via the electron & positron in so-called photon-photon scattering. This would be a much stronger effect.

Torquil
 
  • #3
Thanks , very interesting
 

Related to Photons and gravitational field

1. What is a photon?

A photon is a fundamental particle of light that carries electromagnetic energy. It has no mass and travels at the speed of light.

2. How does the gravitational field affect photons?

The gravitational field affects photons by causing them to curve in their path. This is known as gravitational lensing and is a result of the warping of space-time by massive objects.

3. Can photons be affected by gravity?

Yes, photons can be affected by gravity. Despite having no mass, they still have energy and therefore interact with the gravitational field of massive objects.

4. How do photons interact with matter?

Photons can interact with matter in a few ways. They can be absorbed by matter, causing it to gain energy and possibly heat up. They can also be reflected or scattered off of the surface of matter, allowing us to see objects. Lastly, photons can be emitted by matter, producing light.

5. Do photons have a role in the theory of general relativity?

Yes, photons play a crucial role in the theory of general relativity. They are used to explain how gravity affects light and how light can be used to measure the effects of gravity. Additionally, the bending of light by massive objects was one of the key observations that confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity.

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