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marlowgs
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Einstein first suggested that gravity was the result of a slowing of the speed of light in the proximity to mass. Why was this hypothesis abandoned?
Note, the title is not "On the influence of the propagation of light on gravitation", which was what the original question was implying.Dadface said:"On the influence of gravitation on the propogation of light" by A Einstein
In general relativity, any observer measures the local speed of light to be the same regardless of the motion of the observer or the source, just as in special relativity. But the speed of light some distance from the observer can take a different value.Dadface said:"On the influence of gravitation on the propogation of light" by A Einstein
I quote :"If we call the velocity of light at the origin of co-ordinates co,then the velocity of light c at a place wiith the gravitational potential P will be given by the relation:
c=co(1 + P/c^2)
The principle of the constancy of light holds good according to this theory in a different form from that which usually underlies the ordinary theory of relativity".
Don't ask me,I just looked it up.
DrGreg said:Note, the title is not "On the influence of the propagation of light on gravitation", which was what the original question was implying.
The speed of light, denoted by the letter 'c', is a fundamental constant in physics. It was first measured by Danish astronomer Ole Roemer in the 17th century and has since been confirmed by numerous experiments. The speed of light is considered constant because it is the maximum speed at which all forms of energy and information in the universe can travel. This is known as the speed limit of the universe.
According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, mass and energy can bend the fabric of space-time, causing objects to accelerate towards each other. This is what we experience as the force of gravity. The speed of light is also affected by the curvature of space-time, which is why light appears to bend when it passes through objects with large masses.
No, the speed of light cannot be changed. As mentioned before, it is considered a fundamental constant in the universe. This means that it is the same everywhere and for all observers, regardless of their relative velocities or positions. Attempts to change the speed of light would require breaking the laws of physics as we know them.
The constant speed of light has been proven through countless experiments and observations. It is a fundamental concept in physics and has been incorporated into many theories, including Einstein's theory of relativity. The variable speed of light theory, which suggests that the speed of light may change in different scenarios, has not been supported by any substantial evidence.
Yes, there are alternative theories to explain the force of gravity, such as modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) and the entropic gravity theory. However, these theories have not been widely accepted by the scientific community and have not been able to fully explain the observed effects of gravity. The theory of general relativity, which incorporates the constant speed of light, remains the most widely accepted explanation for gravity.