Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2010/ii/paper-4/36b/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2010 ii Paper 4 36B Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
A photon follows a null geodesic, so the parameter called proper time in the question must instead be an affine parameter: proper time is identically zero on a null worldline. Denote this parameter by for continuity with the displayed formulas.
The geodesic Lagrangian in the equatorial plane is . The cyclic coordinates give conserved quantities and , proportional to the energy measured at infinity and angular momentum. The null constraint then givesThe overall scale depends on the affine parameter, while is the invariant impact parameter. For , we have , giving
At zeroth order choose the direction of the orbit so that . Then , a straight line at distance from the origin. Differentiating the orbit equation gives . To first order,solves this equation; the homogeneous first-order correction can be absorbed into the choice of asymptotic direction and impact parameter. It also satisfies the first integral to this order: the terms cancel.
Near the incoming asymptote its zero is at , and near the outgoing asymptote at . Thus the excess angular change over a straight trajectory isto first order. Solar light-deflection measurements and gravitational lensing provide observational evidence for this effect. The perturbation requires .
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