Einstein Field Equations Locations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the number of Einstein Field Equations (EFE), with participants questioning whether there are 10 or 16 equations. The conversation includes references to various sources and interpretations of the equations, touching on theoretical aspects and definitions related to tensors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there are 10 Einstein Field Equations, citing the symmetry of the tensors and the independent components in four dimensions.
  • Others mention that there are 16 equations in a 4x4 tensor context, with 6 equations disappearing due to symmetry, leaving 10 unique equations.
  • One participant questions the value of the proportionality constant in the equations, suggesting it could be either 8π or 8πG, depending on the units used.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the Einstein tensor, with some claiming it is a covariant tensor, while others reference sources that describe it as contravariant or mixed.
  • Participants express interest in finding resources that present the Einstein Field Equations in a non-compact form and inquire about the proper use of metric tensors in the equations.
  • One participant clarifies that the Einstein equations are coupled non-linear second order partial differential equations of metric components, emphasizing the need for boundary conditions and matter distribution to solve them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether there are 10 or 16 Einstein Field Equations, with multiple competing views remaining. The discussion also reflects uncertainty regarding the nature of the Einstein tensor and the appropriate use of constants in the equations.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific definitions and interpretations of tensors, which may vary across different sources. The discussion also highlights the complexity of the Einstein equations and the subtleties involved in their application.

meteor
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Looking for Einstein Field Equations, in certain places put that they are 10 and in other places put that they are 16. Which is the correct number?
 
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BTW, I would like to give a look to them, but in all the webs appear in compact form. Does exist any web where I can find the 16 EFE?
 
No. It is 10. Field eqn is

Einstein Tensor = Energy-Momentum tensor

Both tensors are symmetric. In 4 dimension symmetric matrices has 10 independent components. Indeed, among these 10 eqns. only 6 of them has dynamical information. The other 4 is constraints on initial data.

Instanton
 
Originally posted by Zefram
16. Look at http://www.etsu.edu/physics/plntrm/relat/general.htm if you're not sure what's going in that one). About 3/4 of the way down they get to the field equations.

the page cited is from the East Tennessee State University
http://www.etsu.edu/physics/

and the specific page cited is
http://www.etsu.edu/physics/plntrm/relat/general.htm

the form of the Einstein equation cited on this page is "R=0" (with mu, nu subscripts which I don't want to have to write) and this is not the version that one usually sees

Usually one sees it arranged this way:
G = 8pi T (with mu, nu subscripts)

this is the form shown in the U. Winnipeg page cited by meteor,
where they say 10 equations.

Probably instanton represents the majority view (10 eqs.)
namely what shows up at meteor's winnipeg site

http://scholar.uwinnipeg.ca/courses...d-Equations.htm
 
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No. It is 10. Field eqn is

Einstein Tensor = Energy-Momentum tensor
Sure?I have seen that the formula is
Einstein tensor=k*Energy-Momentum tensor
being k a constant. There is no agreement in what is the value of this constant, 8*pi or 8*pi*G. Anybody knows?
Is the Einstein tensor a variant or a contravariant tensor?
 
First, for Marcus.

R = 0 is a special case of Einstein eqn, which is G_a_b = 8* pi*G* T_a_b. (here G is a Newton's gravitational constant. The factor 8*pi* G is for matcing Newtonian theory of gravity for slow motion - or weak field limit.)

G_a_b = R_a_b - (1/2)*(g_a_b)*R where g_a_b is a metric tensor, R_a_b is a Ricci tensor, and R is a Ricci scalar. If you contract G_a_b you will get -R in 4 dimensional spacetime. R = 0 is true when T = 0, usually for vacuum spacetime.

For meteor,
I've already answer to your first question. Einstein tensor is usually defined as a second rank covariant tensor.

Instanton
 
I've already answer to your first question. Einstein tensor is usually defined as a second rank covariant tensor.

I trust in your word, but believe me that there are certain pages where it appears like a contravariant tensor:
http://people.hofstra.edu/faculty/Stefan_Waner/diff_geom/Sec10.html
www.pa.uky.edu/~cvj/as500_lec17/as500_lec17.html[/URL]

or like a mixed tensor:
[PLAIN]http://folk.uio.no/kkarlsen/docu/gr1/node22.html

I suppose that the Ricci tensor and the metric tensor are covariant tensors too
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Originally posted by meteor
I trust in your word, but believe me that there are certain pages where it appears like a contravariant tensor:

You can always convert from covariant-->contravariant by using the metric tensor.

Aμν=gμσgντAστ
 
  • #10
The answer is 10.

There are, of course, 16 equations in any 4x4 tensor equation. 6 of them disappear when you impose symmetry, and there are thus only 10 unique equations.

meteor, the reason the proportionality constant is either 8 pi G or 8 pi in the Einstein equation is simply because some people choose to work in natural units (G = 1) while others do not.

- Warren
 
  • #11
In the EFE, in the metric tensor, you have to put the tensor of the metric that you are using? For example if you are using the Minkowski metric you have to put the Minkowski metric tensor, or if you are using the euclidean metric, you have to put the euclidean metric tensor?
another question: how to multiply a tensor with an scalar? Exists any web that explain this?
 
  • #12
Originally posted by meteor
In the EFE, in the metric tensor, you have to put the tensor of the metric that you are using? For example if you are using the Minkowski metric you have to put the Minkowski metric tensor, or if you are using the euclidean metric, you have to put the euclidean metric tensor?
another question: how to multiply a tensor with an scalar? Exists any web that explain this?

Einstein equation is 10 coupled non-linear second order partial diffrential equation of metric components. So, for given boundary condition and matter distribution you are solving for metric. Of course there are subtleties. To being able to define energy-momentum tensor of matter we need information on background metric. So, usually you fix backround metric and matter distribution, then perturbatively calculate it's solution. Of course there are few examples of exact solutions, but they are usually rare.

Multiplyng tensor with scalar is exactly like multiplying vector with scalar, if that is what you are asking.

Instanton
 

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