2 ms·

The mechanism is completely different, but gravitational lensing also involves changing the angle of a ray of light.

• e12e 9y ago
  Do we know that the mechanism is different? Do we know what causes light to slow down when passing through material and that it's unrelated to gravity? I know that refraction effects is documented through experiments - but I don't believe I've seen any real explanation of the cause of the effect? (Not that I've looked - I only have very basic knowledge of physics)
  • Arnavion 9y ago
    Light bends and travels slower in matter because it has (QM) interactions with the particles of the matter. Gravity is not involved. Light bends due to gravity because gravity is the bending of spacetime so that light's straight line path is curved. QM is not involved.
    • ge96 9y ago
      I still think that's nuts. Isn't the "space" "straight" as seen by light, but the light/space is curved so it does bend... man... so maybe the "alcubere drive" we wouldn't feel the compression of our bodies/expansion.
      • greglindahl 9y ago
        When you're being stretched or compressed by GR, you don't feel it at all in your frame of reference.
  • pducks32 9y ago
    Physically we are not sure. Mathematically the equations could be taught in the same class. (Exaggeration a little as they in very complicated but hopefully you see my point) they come from similar places.