What Units Should Be Used for the Left Half of the GR Equation?

In summary, the appropriate units for the left half of the GR equation are m^-2, which is a measurement of curvature and is consistent with SI units if T is measured in J/m³. This is assuming geometric units are being used, which is common but not necessarily universal.
  • #1
snoopies622
840
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What are the appropriate units for the left half of the GR equation? Meters? square meters..? To put it another way, what exactly is being quantified?
 
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  • #2
The same as the right hand side, [tex]\kappa T^{\mu\nu}[/tex]
 
  • #3
It's a measurement of curvature, in [tex]m^{-2}[/tex].
 
  • #4
Thanks, Ich. That's the answer I was looking for.
 
  • #5
I guess Mentz114 just wanted to motivate you to find it out yourself. It's not difficult.
 
  • #6
Note that Ich's answer assumes that geometric units are being used, which is very common, but perhaps not quite universal.
 
  • #7
Note that Ich's answer assumes that geometric units are being used, which is very common, but perhaps not quite universal.
I double-checked and found the units to be SI-consistent, as long as T is measured in J/m³.
 

1. What is the Einstein tensor?

The Einstein tensor is a mathematical quantity that is used in Einstein's theory of general relativity to describe the curvature of spacetime. It is a combination of the Ricci tensor and the scalar curvature of spacetime.

2. Why is the Einstein tensor important?

The Einstein tensor plays a crucial role in Einstein's theory of general relativity, which is one of the most well-established and successful theories in physics. It helps describe the relationship between matter and the curvature of spacetime, which is essential for understanding the behavior of gravity.

3. How is the Einstein tensor calculated?

The Einstein tensor is calculated by taking the Ricci tensor and subtracting half of the scalar curvature multiplied by the metric tensor. The metric tensor is a mathematical object that describes the geometry of spacetime.

4. What does the Einstein tensor tell us about spacetime?

The Einstein tensor tells us about the curvature of spacetime. It describes how matter and energy are distributed in spacetime and how they affect the shape of spacetime. This curvature is what we experience as gravity.

5. Can the Einstein tensor be used to solve real-world problems?

Yes, the Einstein tensor is an essential tool for understanding and solving real-world problems in the field of astrophysics and cosmology. It has been used to predict the behavior of black holes, the expansion of the universe, and the existence of gravitational waves, among other things.

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