Circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry

In summary, the period of a spaceship in a circular orbit around a black hole with mass M and Schwarzschild radius 7M can be calculated using the equation T=14*pi*sqrt(7)*M for an observer at infinity. For a clock on the spaceship, proper time can be calculated using the Schwarzschild metric and substituting r=7M, giving T'=\sqrt{(1-2M/r)+M/r}T. However, this expression may require further refinement to account for the photon sphere.
  • #1
alc95
7
0

Homework Statement


Hartle, Gravity, P9.8
A spaceship is moving without power in a circular orbit about a black hole of mass M, with Schwarzschild radius 7M.
(a) What is the period as measured by an observer at infinity?

(b) What is the period as measured by a clock on the spaceship?

Homework Equations


Eqn 9.46 from Hartle:
[tex]
\omega =\sqrt{(M/r^3)}
[/tex]

Proper time:
[tex]
d\tau^2=-ds^2
[/tex]
and the Schwarzschild metric.

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) This part is fine. Using T=2*pi/omega and substituting r=7M, T=14*pi*sqrt(7)*M.

However, I'm not sure how Eqn 9.46 is derived? Can it be derived using the Schwarzschild metric and noting that the coordinate r is constant?

(b) The clock in the spaceship measures proper time:
[tex]
d\tau=\sqrt{(1-2M/r)dt^2+r^2d\phi^2}=\sqrt{(1-2M/r)+M/r}dt
[/tex]
Here, [tex]d\phi^2=M/r^3dt[/tex]
[tex]
T'=\sqrt{(1-2M/r)+M/r}T
[/tex]
Is my reasoning correct? Assuming this is correct, is all that remains is to substitute r=7M and the period T from part (a)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
alc95 said:
A spaceship is moving without power in a circular orbit about a black hole of mass M, with Schwarzschild radius 7M.
Calling 7M "Schwarzschild radius" is confusing.
alc95 said:
Can it be derived using the Schwarzschild metric and noting that the coordinate r is constant?
Sure (but don't ask me how exactly).

For (b), I would have expected an expression that becomes 0 at the photon sphere, but I'm not sure if that is right.
 

1. What is a circular orbit in Schwarzschild geometry?

A circular orbit in Schwarzschild geometry refers to the path of an object moving around a central mass in a curved spacetime, as described by Einstein's theory of general relativity. In this geometry, the orbit is circular when the gravitational attraction of the central mass is balanced by the centrifugal force of the orbiting object.

2. How do circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry differ from those in Newtonian gravity?

In Newtonian gravity, circular orbits are perfect circles with a constant radius. However, in Schwarzschild geometry, the curvature of spacetime caused by the central mass causes the orbit to precess, resulting in a slightly elliptical shape with a changing radius. Additionally, the orbital velocity in Schwarzschild geometry is not constant, but rather increases as the orbit approaches the central mass.

3. What is the significance of circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry?

Circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry are important because they provide a simple and elegant example of how the curvature of spacetime affects the motion of objects. They also play a key role in understanding the behavior of objects in the vicinity of massive objects, such as black holes.

4. Can circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry exist around any mass?

Yes, circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry can exist around any mass, as long as the mass is spherically symmetric and non-rotating. This includes not only massive objects like stars and black holes, but also smaller objects like planets and asteroids.

5. How are circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry relevant to real-world applications?

Circular orbits in Schwarzschild geometry have many practical applications, including in space missions and satellite orbits. Understanding the effects of gravity and spacetime curvature on these orbits is essential for accurately predicting and controlling the motion of objects in space.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
319
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
705
Replies
20
Views
896
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
44
Views
1K
Back
Top