Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2023/ii/paper-3/37b/b/solution

An affinely parameterized geodesic satisfies
For the conformally flat metric , its Christoffel symbols are
Let . Along a null geodesic, , so the equation reduces to
The acceleration is parallel to the tangent. A change of parameter removes it, leaving a straight null line of the Minkowski metric. Thus conformal rescaling changes the affine parameter but not the unparametrized light ray.
Consequently Nordstrom theory of gravitation predicts
for light passing a star. This contradicts the observed nonzero deflection and the successful general-relativistic value .

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