Gaussian Co-ordinates-background and derivation

In summary, Section XXV of Relativity introduces Gaussian Co-ordinates. This system may also be referred to by another name. The derivation of the formula for distance between two points on the Gaussian system, ds^{2} =g11du^{2}+2g12dudv+g22dv^{2}, indicates that distance must be a quadratic in two dimensions. This is the most general possible quadratic formula.
  • #1
K29
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In Section XXV of Relativity we are introduced to Gaussian Co-ordinates. I can't seem to find much about this on the internet, perhaps there is another name? Can anyone link some background behind why this system was initially derived, and most importantly does anyone know the derivation of ds[tex]^{2}[/tex] =g11du[tex]^{2}[/tex]+2g12dudv+g22dv[tex]^{2}[/tex] (formula for distance between two points on gaussian system)
Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
That's pretty much just saying that the distance between two points must be a
quadratic
since distance cannot be negative- and that's the most general possible quadratic formula in two dimensions.
 
  • #3
Thanks for that.
 

1. What are Gaussian coordinates and how are they used in science?

Gaussian coordinates are a type of coordinate system that is commonly used in physics and mathematics to describe the position of a point in space. They are based on the concept of a normal distribution, also known as a Gaussian distribution, which is a mathematical function that describes the probability of a random variable falling within a certain range of values. In science, Gaussian coordinates are often used to represent the position of particles or objects in a three-dimensional space.

2. How are Gaussian coordinates derived?

The derivation of Gaussian coordinates involves transforming a Cartesian coordinate system into a polar coordinate system, where the radial distance is described by the normal distribution function. This transformation can be achieved through mathematical equations and involves the use of trigonometric functions. The resulting coordinate system is known as Gaussian coordinates, also known as polar Gaussian coordinates.

3. What is the significance of Gaussian coordinates in physics?

Gaussian coordinates have many applications in physics, including in the fields of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and fluid dynamics. In quantum mechanics, they are used to describe the position of particles in a three-dimensional space. In electromagnetism, they are used to calculate the electric and magnetic fields around a point charge or current. In fluid dynamics, they are used to describe the velocity and pressure distributions in a fluid.

4. How do Gaussian coordinates differ from other coordinate systems?

Gaussian coordinates are different from other coordinate systems, such as Cartesian coordinates, because they are based on a normal distribution function and use polar coordinates instead of rectangular coordinates. This makes them particularly useful in situations where the data or variables being measured follow a normal distribution, such as in physics or statistics.

5. Can Gaussian coordinates be applied to higher dimensions?

Yes, Gaussian coordinates can be extended to higher dimensions, such as four-dimensional space-time in relativity. In this case, the normal distribution function is extended to include a time component, and the resulting coordinate system is known as Gaussian space-time coordinates. This allows for the description of events in four-dimensional space-time, such as in the theory of general relativity.

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