We know through General Relativity (GR) that matter curves spacetime (ST) like a "ball curves a trampoline" but then how energy curves spacetime? Is it just like matter curvature of ST?
Answer
Theoretical viewpoint:
Einstein field equations can be written in the form: Gμν=8πGc4Tμν
Experiments that confirm this point:
First, do photons have mass? The answer is an emphatic 'no'. The momentum of a photon is p=hfc, and from special relativity: E=√(mc2)2+(pc)2⟺E2=(mc2)2+(pc)2⟺E2−(pc)2=(mc2)2.
Claim: Photons are not subject to gravitational attraction since they have no rest mass.
Experimental disproof: Gravitational lensing:
You could see light being bent due to the presence of a strong gravitational field.
Conclusion: Even if light has no rest mass, it has energy and momentum. And it is being attracted due to gravity, so the natural conclusion is that energy do curve space-time.
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