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 .