Chapter 16, Problem 36A

Your friend says that light passing the sun is bent whether or not Earth experiences a solar eclipse. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

To determine

To explain: Whether a person will agree with a friend or not.

Answer to Problem 36A

Agreed.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

According to the gravitational lensing, light emitted by distant celestial objects when passes by massive objects, distorts or bends the light.

When light emitted by celestial objects passes by Sun experienced by an observer on Earth then due to space-time curvature is curved, lights bend. When the solar eclipse is experienced by an observer, then a better view is observed of the celestial object. Light passes through massive objects like Sun is blocked during the eclipse and a clear view of the celestial object is observed.

Conclusion:

Yes, it bends. In the eclipse, a better view is observed because the light emitted by Sun gets blocked. Therefore, a person will agree with his friend.