What is the Geodesic Equation for FRW Metric's Time Component?

In summary, we discussed the definition of metric in terms of the ds^2 equation and its components, as well as the geodesic equation and the coordinates for it. We also examined the properties of photons and their null vector.
  • #1
unscientific
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Taken from Hobson's book:

frw2.png


Metric is given by
[tex]ds^2 = c^2 dt^2 - R^2(t) \left[ d\chi^2 + S^2(\chi) (d\theta^2 + sin^2\theta d\phi^2) \right] [/tex]

Thus, ##g_{00} = c^2, g_{11} = -R^2(t), g_{22} = -R^2(t) S^2(\chi), g_{33} = -R^2(t) S^2(\chi) sin^2 \theta##.

Geodesic equation is given by:
[tex] \dot u_\mu = \frac{1}{2} \left( \partial_\mu g_{v\sigma} \right) u^v u^\sigma [/tex]

The coordinates are given by ##u^0 = \dot t, u^1 = \dot \chi, u^2 = \dot \theta, u^3 = \dot \phi##.

For the temporal component,
[tex]\dot u_0 = \frac{1}{2} (\partial_0 g_{v\sigma})u^v u^\sigma[/tex]

Photons

[tex]u^0u_0 = 0[/tex]
[tex]u^0 g_{00} g^0 = 0 [/tex]
[tex]g_{00}\dot t^2 = 0 [/tex]
[tex]\dot t = 0[/tex]

This doesn't make any sense. For massive particles, ##\dot t = 1##.
 
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  • #2
Why do you think ##u_0 u^0 = 0##? It is not true. Remember the Einstein summation convention.
 
  • #3
Orodruin said:
Why do you think ##u_0 u^0 = 0##? It is not true. Remember the Einstein summation convention.

For a photon, it is 0, as shown in the text. (null vector)
 
  • #4
unscientific said:
For a photon, it is 0, as shown in the text. (null vector)

No, it is not ##u^\mu u_\mu = 0## does not imply ##u^0 u_0 = 0##.
 
  • #5
Orodruin said:
No, it is not ##u^\mu u_\mu = 0## does not imply ##u^0 u_0 = 0##.

So, ##u^0u_0 + u^1u_1 + u^2u_2 + u^3u_3 = 0##?
 
  • #6
unscientific said:
So, ##u^0u_0 + u^1u_1 + u^2u_2 + u^3u_3 = 0##?

Yes.
 
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1. What is the FRW metric and how does it relate to time?

The FRW metric, also known as the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker metric, is a mathematical description of the geometry and expansion of the universe. It is used to study the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe. The metric includes a time component that describes how the universe changes over time.

2. How does the time component in the FRW metric affect the expansion of the universe?

The time component in the FRW metric is a crucial factor in understanding the expansion of the universe. It describes how the universe expands over time and how the expansion rate changes. This component is affected by the amount of matter and energy in the universe, as well as the curvature of space.

3. Is the time component in the FRW metric constant or does it change?

The time component in the FRW metric is not constant and can change over time. This is due to the fact that the expansion rate of the universe is not constant and can be affected by various factors such as dark energy and the amount of matter present.

4. Can the time component in the FRW metric be used to predict the future of the universe?

Yes, the time component in the FRW metric can be used to make predictions about the future of the universe. By understanding how the expansion rate changes over time, scientists can make predictions about the fate of the universe, such as whether it will continue to expand or eventually collapse.

5. How does the time component in the FRW metric relate to the concept of cosmic time?

Cosmic time is defined as the time that has passed since the Big Bang, and it is closely related to the time component in the FRW metric. The time component describes how the universe has evolved since the beginning of cosmic time, and can be used to study the history and future of the universe.

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