Calculating Proper Time of "A" in Schwarzschild Geometry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the proper time experienced by a particle "A" traveling in Schwarzschild geometry while returning to a starting point, in contrast to another particle "B" that remains at rest. The scope includes theoretical aspects of general relativity, mathematical formulations, and the implications of geodesics in curved spacetime.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the integral for proper time, expressed as \(\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{\mu \nu}\dot{x}^\mu \dot{x}^\nu}d\lambda\), with \(\dot{x}^\mu =dx^\mu /d\lambda\) and \(\lambda\) as an affine parameter.
  • There is a suggestion to simplify the integral in Schwarzschild coordinates to \(\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{tt}+g_{rr}\dot{r}^2}dt\), assuming \(d\Omega=0\).
  • One participant questions the meaning of \(\dot{r}\) and proposes a specific expression for it, \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-(2GM/r(c^2))}}\).
  • Another participant inquires about deriving an expression for local velocity \(\frac{dr}{dt}\) using time-like geodesics in Schwarzschild geometry.
  • Clarification is provided that \(\dot{r}\) represents \(\frac{dr}{dt}\), with \(r\) and \(t\) as space- and time-coordinates in Schwarzschild geometry.
  • A participant notes that the form for proper time should work for any parametrization, not just affine ones, suggesting that non-affine parameters complicate the geodesic equation.
  • There is a search for an expression for local velocity \(\frac{dr}{dt}\) for a twin traveling vertically from the surface of a massive body using time-like geodesics.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about using geodesics for the twin's motion, arguing that the initial conditions for the twins do not coincide if one starts with non-zero velocity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of geodesics and the implications of initial conditions for the twins' motion, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved mathematical steps regarding the proper time calculation and the dependence on specific definitions of parameters used in the discussion.

Nilupa
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"A" starts a journey from a massive body in Schwarzschild geometry in a radial path and returns back to the starting point while "B" stays at rest. Please explain how to find the proper time of "A".
 
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Using a (+---) signature, the proper time of a particle is given by:

\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{\mu \nu}\dot{x}^\mu \dot{x}^\nu}d\lambda

where \dot{x}^\mu =dx^\mu /d\lambda and \lambda is some affine parameter. You could use, for example, \lambda=t (t is Schwarzschild coordinate time) which would simplify the integral (in Schwarzschild coordinates) to:

\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{tt}+g_{rr}\dot{r}^2}dt

because, in this problem, dΩ=0.
 
elfmotat said:
Using a (+---) signature, the proper time of a particle is given by:

\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{\mu \nu}\dot{x}^\mu \dot{x}^\nu}d\lambda

where \dot{x}^\mu =dx^\mu /d\lambda and \lambda is some affine parameter. You could use, for example, \lambda=t (t is Schwarzschild coordinate time) which would simplify the integral (in Schwarzschild coordinates) to:

\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{tt}+g_{rr}\dot{r}^2}dt

because, in this problem, dΩ=0.

Thank you..
What is dot{r}?
Is it
1/sqrt(1-(2GM/r(c^2)))
 
Last edited:
For the local velocity(dr/dt) , can we derive an expression using time like geodesics in schwarzschild geomerty?
 
\dot{r} is dr/dt where r and t are the space- and time-coordinates in Schwarzschild geometry; and I think the expression posted by elfmotat should answer your last question
 
Last edited:
elfmotat said:
Using a (+---) signature, the proper time of a particle is given by:

\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{\mu \nu}\dot{x}^\mu \dot{x}^\nu}d\lambda

where \dot{x}^\mu =dx^\mu /d\lambda and \lambda is some affine parameter.

Actually, I think that form for the proper time works for any parametrization, not just affine parametrizations. If the parameter is not affine, then the geodesic equation (resulting from maximizing the proper time) is much more complicated.
 
I'm searching for a expression for the local velocity (dr/dt), for a twin who travels vertically from the surface of a massive body in the schwarzschild geometry using time like geodesics.
 
  • #10
dr/dt as a function of t *is* what you are looking for; now you can play around with arbitrary motion, not just geodesics.

One twin stays at r°=r(t=0)=const., the other one moves with r(t). Do you relly want to use geodesics, i.e. solutions of the e.o.m.? I don't think that this is realistic b/c in order to follow a geodesic the second twin must start at r° with non-zero velocity therefore the initial conditions for the two twins do not coincide.

But if you really want to do that you may find the geodesics in Schwarzsschild coordinates in many GR textbook.
 

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