Is the Schwarzschild Metric Solution Correct?

In summary: MTW for yourself?In summary, there are three different stated solutions for the Schwarzschild metric, with a difference in the sign conventions. It is important to note that the differences are likely just conventions and it is suggested to check for oneself by reading chapter 7 of Carroll's notes and checking MTW.
  • #1
Orion1
973
3


The solution for the Schwarzschild metric is stated from reference 1 as:

[tex]ds^2=- \left(1-\frac{r_s}{r}\right) c^2 dt^2 + \left(1-\frac{r_s}{r}\right)^{-1}dr^2+r^2(d \theta^2 +\sin^2 \theta d \phi^2)[/tex]

The solution for the Schwarzschild metric is stated from references 2 as:

[tex]ds^2 = \left(1 - \frac{r_s}{r} \right) c^2 dt^2 - \left(1 - \frac{r_s}{r} \right)^{-1} dr^2 - r^2 \left(d \theta^2 + \sin^2 \theta d \phi^2 \right)[/tex]

The solution for the Schwarzschild metric is stated from references 3 as:
[tex]ds^2 = \left(1 - \frac{r_s}{r} \right) c^2 dt^2 - \left(1 - \frac{r_s}{r} \right)^{-1} dr^2 - r^2 \left(d \theta^2 - \sin^2 \theta d \phi^2 \right)[/tex][tex]r_s[/tex] - Schwarzschild radius

There is a difference in the sign of the elements between the stated solutions.

Which is the correct solution?

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deriving_the_Schwarzschild_solution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff_equation#_ref-ov_3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwarzschild_metric
 
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  • #2
Did you check any references outside of wikipedia?

By the looks, the only difference is the sign convention: is it spacelike or timelike intervals that are represented by real lengths? For what purpose do you want one to be "correct"?
 
  • #3
Orion1 said:
The solution for the Schwarzschild metric is stated from references 3 as:
[tex]ds^2 = \left(1 - \frac{r_s}{r} \right) c^2 dt^2 - \left(1 - \frac{r_s}{r} \right)^{-1} dr^2 - r^2 \left(d \theta^2 - \sin^2 \theta d \phi^2 \right)[/tex]

Might want to double-check your signs on this one. The third reference looks like it gives the same as the second reference (but distributing the last parenthetical). The differences between the first two are probably just convention, as cesiumfrog said.
 
  • #4
Why don't you read chapter 7 of Carroll's notes and check for yourself (for one thing, I know that the arbitrariness of the sign is mentioned)
 

What is the Schwarzschild metric?

The Schwarzschild metric is a mathematical representation of the curvature of spacetime around a non-rotating, spherically symmetric mass, such as a black hole. It describes how the presence of this mass affects the path of light and other objects in its vicinity.

Who is the Schwarzschild metric named after?

The Schwarzschild metric is named after the German physicist Karl Schwarzschild, who first derived it in 1916 using Einstein's theory of general relativity.

What are the key components of the Schwarzschild metric?

The Schwarzschild metric has two key components: the time dilation factor and the space curvature factor. These components are multiplied together to give the overall metric, which describes the geometry of spacetime in the presence of a massive object.

How does the Schwarzschild metric differ from other metrics in general relativity?

While other metrics in general relativity describe the curvature of spacetime in different situations, the Schwarzschild metric is specifically used to describe the spacetime around a non-spinning, spherically symmetric mass. It is also the simplest metric, making it a useful tool for understanding the effects of gravity in this scenario.

What are some practical applications of the Schwarzschild metric?

The Schwarzschild metric has been used to make predictions about the behavior of objects near black holes, such as the orbit of stars and the bending of light. It has also been used to study gravitational lensing and the behavior of particles in the strong gravitational fields around black holes.

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