Help with Newtonian Gravity as Limit of General Relativity

In summary, the metric in weak gravitational fields is represented by the line element ds^2 = -(1+2phi)dt^2 + (1-2phi)(dx^2 + dy^2 + dz^2), where phi = M/r. The metric is given by g_alpha_beta = eta_alpha_beta + h_alpha_beta, where h_alpha_beta = -2phi. The diagonal elements of h are -2phi, and the off-diagonal elements are 0 due to the condition of weak gravitational fields. The book uses the definition of trace reverse and trace to obtain the diagonal terms of h, h_xx = h_yy = h_zz = -2phi.
  • #1
needved
5
0
In Schutz says When we have weak gravitaional fields then the line element *ds* is
$$
ds^{2}=-(1+2\phi)dt^{2}+(1-2\phi)(dx^{2}+dy^{2}+dz^{2})
$$
so the metric is
$$
{g_{\alpha\beta}} =\eta_{\alpha\beta}+h_{\alpha\beta}= \left( \begin{array}{cccc}
-(1+2\phi) & 0 & 0 & 0\\
0 & (1-2\phi) & 0 & 0\\
0 & 0 & (1-2\phi) & 0\\
0 & 0 & 0 & (1-2\phi)\end{array} \right)
$$
where
$$
\phi=\frac{M}{r}
$$
so *h* is

$$
{h_{\alpha\beta}} = \left( \begin{array}{cccc}
-2\phi & 0 & 0 & 0\\
0 & -2\phi & 0 & 0\\
0 & 0 & -2\phi & 0\\
0 & 0 & 0 & -2\phi\end{array} \right)
$$
the element

$$
h_{00}= -2\phi
$$

and the elements out of the diagonal are zero because the condition weak gravitational fields it implies

$$
T_{i,j}=0
$$

but i don't get it how in the book do

$$
h_{xx}=h_{yy}=h_{zz}=-2\phi
$$

i believe they use de definition of *trace reverse*

$$
\bar h^{\alpha\beta}=h^{\alpha\beta}-\frac{1}{2}\eta^{\alpha\beta}h
$$
and the *trace* definition

$$
h = h^{\alpha}_{\alpha}
$$
but how they do? what I am missing?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
We are just pulling each diagonal term out of h. h1 = hx. Repeated subscript is an element along the diagonal.
 

Related to Help with Newtonian Gravity as Limit of General Relativity

What is the difference between Newtonian Gravity and General Relativity?

Newtonian Gravity is a classical theory of gravity that describes the force of attraction between two massive objects based on their masses and the distance between them. It does not take into account the curvature of space-time. On the other hand, General Relativity is a modern theory of gravity that describes the force of attraction between objects as a result of the curvature of space-time caused by massive objects.

How does General Relativity explain the motion of objects in space?

According to General Relativity, objects in space are affected by the curvature of space-time caused by massive objects. This curvature creates a force that pulls objects towards the massive object. The motion of objects in space can be described by the geodesic equation, which takes into account both the mass of the object and the curvature of space-time.

Can Newtonian Gravity be considered as a limit of General Relativity?

Yes, in the limit of small velocities and weak gravitational fields, the equations of General Relativity reduce to the equations of Newtonian Gravity. This means that Newtonian Gravity can be seen as an approximation of General Relativity in certain situations.

What are the main differences between the equations of Newtonian Gravity and General Relativity?

The equations of Newtonian Gravity are based on the law of universal gravitation, which only takes into account the masses and distances between objects. The equations of General Relativity, on the other hand, take into account the curvature of space-time caused by massive objects. This results in a more accurate description of the force of gravity and its effects on the motion of objects.

How does the concept of time differ in Newtonian Gravity and General Relativity?

In Newtonian Gravity, time is considered as absolute and unchanging. However, in General Relativity, time is relative and can be affected by the curvature of space-time. This means that time can pass at different rates for different observers, depending on their relative motion and proximity to massive objects.

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