Timelike geodesic curves for two-dimensional metric

  • #1
Fisherlam
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Homework Statement
For the two-dimensional metric ##ds^2 = [dx^2 + c^2dt^2] /(\alpha t^{-2})##, with ##\alpha## being a constant of appropriate dimensions, show that $$\frac{dx/dt}{\sqrt{1-(dx/dt)^2}}$$ is constant and hence, or otherwise, find all timelike geodesic curves.
Relevant Equations
$$L=g_{ab}\dot{x}^a\dot{x}^b $$ $$\frac{\partial L}{\partial x}=\frac{\partial }{\partial u}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{x}}\right) $$
Using EL equation, $$L=\left(\frac{t^2}{\alpha}\dot{x}^2-\frac{c^2t^2}{\alpha}\dot{t}^2\right)^{0.5} \Longrightarrow \mathrm{constant} =\left(\dot{x}^2 -c^2 \dot{t}^2\right)^{-0.5} \left(\frac{t^2}{\alpha}\right)^{0.5} \dot{x}$$.

Get another equation from the metric: $$ds^2=-\frac{c^2t^2}\alpha dt^2+\frac{t^2}\alpha dx^2=c^2d\tau^2\quad\Longrightarrow\quad-\frac{c^2t^2}\alpha t^2+\frac{t^2}\alpha\dot{x}^2=c^2\quad\Longrightarrow\quad\frac{t^2}\alpha=\frac{c^2}{\dot{x}^2-c^2\dot{t}^2}$$

Substitution and set ##c=1##: $$\mathrm{constant}=\left(\dot{x}^2-c^2\dot{t}^2\right)^{-0.5}\left(\frac{t^2}\alpha\right)^{0.5}\dot{x}=\frac{c\dot{x}}{\dot{x}^2-c^2\dot{t}^2}=\frac{\dot{x}}{\dot{x}^2-\dot{t}^2}=\cdots?$$

I think I am close but clearly missing something...
 
Last edited:
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1. What are timelike geodesic curves?

Timelike geodesic curves are paths followed by free particles moving through spacetime in a manner that maximizes their proper time. In other words, they represent the trajectories of objects that are moving at speeds less than the speed of light.

2. How are timelike geodesic curves different from spacelike geodesic curves?

Timelike geodesic curves are characterized by the fact that the interval between two points along the curve is negative, indicating that the points are causally connected. On the other hand, spacelike geodesic curves have a positive interval between points, indicating that they are not causally connected.

3. What is the significance of studying timelike geodesic curves in two-dimensional metric?

Studying timelike geodesic curves in a two-dimensional metric allows us to understand the behavior of objects moving through a simplified spacetime. This can help in analyzing the effects of gravity and curvature on the motion of particles in a more manageable setting.

4. How are timelike geodesic curves related to general relativity?

In general relativity, timelike geodesic curves play a crucial role in describing the motion of massive particles in curved spacetime. By following these curves, we can predict the trajectories of objects under the influence of gravitational fields and other sources of curvature.

5. Can timelike geodesic curves be used to study black holes?

Yes, timelike geodesic curves are commonly used to study the behavior of particles near black holes. By analyzing how these curves are affected by the extreme curvature of spacetime around a black hole, we can gain insights into the nature of these mysterious objects and the phenomena associated with them.

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