Change of coordinates for functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the challenge of changing coordinates in spacetime metrics, specifically transitioning from coordinates t' and r' to t and r while defining R = r^2. The participant questions the feasibility of establishing an explicit relationship between the old coordinate r' and the new coordinate r without knowing the exact dependence of R on t' and r'. They suggest that a Jacobian might be a potential tool for this transformation, while also inquiring about the possibility of expressing another function P in terms of t' and r.

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  • Understanding of spacetime metrics and coordinate transformations
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  • Knowledge of functions and their dependencies in multivariable calculus
  • Basic principles of differential geometry
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tut_einstein
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I am trying to solve a problem with spacetime metrics and a change of coordinates for my research project.

I have an unspecified function R that depends on two coordinates t' and r' (which are the time and radial coordinates) and the only condition I'm imposing on R is that it be positive. Now, suppose I change to a new set of coordinates t and r and define R = r^2, is it possible to find an explicit relation between the old coordinate r' and r without knowing the exact dependence of R on t' and r'? I feel like it's not possible, but maybe there's a way using a Jacobian or something that I'm forgetting.

More importantly, if there's another function P that depends on t' and r', is it possible t o find P as a function of t' and r using the above information? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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Except in trivial situations, r will necessarily depend on both r' and [itex]\theta'[/itex], not just r.
 

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