Consider the following statements regarding Gravitational lensing 1. Gravitational lensing describes the fact that light is deflected by large masses in the universe. 2. The more massive the object, the stronger its gravitational field and hence the greater the bending of light rays. 3. Lensing, however, cannot be used to verify the existence of Dark Matter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding Gravitational lensing 1. Gravitational lensing describes the fact that light is deflected by large masses in the universe. 2. The more massive the object, the stronger its gravitational field and hence the greater the bending of light rays. 3. Lensing, however, cannot be used to verify the existence of Dark Matter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Correct Answer 1 and 2 only
The correct answer is Option 2, i.e 1 and 2 only.
Key Points
- Gravitational lensing is an effect of Einstein’s theory of general relativity – simply put, mass bends light.
- Gravitational lensing describes the fact that light is deflected by large masses in the universe, just like a glass lens will bend a light right on Earth. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The more massive the object, the stronger its gravitational field and hence the greater the bending of light rays – just like using denser materials to make optical lenses results in a greater amount of refraction. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Gravitational lensing is useful to cosmologists because it is directly sensitive to the amount and distribution of dark matter.
- Lensing can help astronomers work out exactly how much dark matter there is in the Universe as a whole and also how it is distributed. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
- Lensing has also been used to help verify the existence of dark matter itself.
মোঃ আরিফুল ইসলাম
Feb 20, 2025