Approximate local flatness = Approximate local symmetries?

In summary, Pseudo-Riemannian manifolds have locally Minkowskian properties, which is crucial for relativity. However, this is only an approximation as highly curved spacetimes cannot be fully flattened. While this may seem to suggest that local symmetries, such as Poincaré and Lorentz, are also approximate, they are exact in the tangent space at each event, but not in the overall spacetime.
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Suekdccia
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TL;DR Summary
Approximate local flatness = Approximate local symmetries?
Pseudo-Riemannian manifolds (such as spacetime) are locally Minkowskian and this is very important for relativity since even in a highly curved spacetime, one could locally approximate the spacetime into a flat minkowski one.

However, this would be an approximation. Perhaps this is a naive question but, would this mean that the local symmetries (such as Poincaré, Lorentz...) hold also only approximately?
 
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Suekdccia said:
would this mean that the local symmetries (such as Poincaré, Lorentz...) hold also only approximately?
No. The "local symmetries" you refer to are symmetries of the tangent space at each event. They are not symmetries of the spacetime. In the tangent space those symmetries are exact.
 
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1. What is meant by "approximate local flatness" in relation to symmetries?

"Approximate local flatness" refers to the idea that within a small region of a larger system, the behavior or properties of that region are very similar or "flat" compared to the behavior of the larger system. This means that the region is approximately symmetrical, or that it exhibits similar patterns or properties as the larger system.

2. How is approximate local flatness related to symmetries in a scientific context?

In science, symmetries are often used to describe patterns or relationships between different parts of a system. When a system exhibits approximate local flatness, it means that there are symmetries within the system that allow us to make predictions or understand the behavior of one part of the system based on the behavior of another part.

3. Can approximate local flatness be observed in real-world systems?

Yes, approximate local flatness can be observed in many real-world systems, from physical systems like crystals or fluids to biological systems like cells or ecosystems. It is a common phenomenon that helps us understand and make predictions about complex systems.

4. How does the concept of approximate local flatness contribute to scientific research?

The concept of approximate local flatness is important in scientific research because it allows us to simplify complex systems and make predictions or draw conclusions based on smaller, more manageable regions. This can help us better understand and study a wide range of systems, from the microscopic level to the global scale.

5. Are there any limitations or criticisms of the concept of approximate local flatness?

While approximate local flatness is a useful concept in many scientific fields, it is not always applicable or accurate. Some systems may not exhibit symmetries or may not behave in a "flat" manner, making it difficult to use this concept. Additionally, there may be cases where the approximation is not accurate enough to make meaningful predictions or conclusions.

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