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Gravitational time dilation, free fall, and matter waves.

Authors :
Czarnecka, Anna P.
Czarnecki, Andrzej
Source :
American Journal of Physics. Jun2021, Vol. 89 Issue 6, p634-638. 5p.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

We demonstrate that the de Broglie wave of a particle in a gravitational field turns toward the region of lower gravitational potential, causing the particle to fall. This turning is caused by clocks running slower in the smaller potential. We use the analogy of ocean waves that are slower in shallower water and turn toward beaches. This approach implies that the motion is along a geodesic and explains the free fall qualitatively and quantitatively with only elementary algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00029505
Volume :
89
Issue :
6
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
American Journal of Physics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
150501012
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1119/10.0003448