Computing Curvature of Space at Point from Mass - Help Needed

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on computing the curvature of space around a stationary pointlike particle with mass, specifically using the Schwarzschild metric. The user seeks to understand how the gravitational field affects spatial deformation at a distance r from the mass. The key takeaway is the ratio of proper radial distance to the difference of circumferences, expressed as (1 - rs/r)-1/2, which represents both time dilation and space curvature at that distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR) principles
  • Familiarity with the Schwarzschild metric
  • Basic knowledge of tensor calculus
  • Concept of proper radial distance in a gravitational field
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Schwarzschild metric in detail to understand its implications on space curvature
  • Explore tensor calculus fundamentals to better grasp the mathematical framework of GR
  • Research the concept of proper distance in curved spacetime
  • Learn about gravitational time dilation and its relationship to spatial curvature
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of General Relativity, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of gravitational fields and their effects on space curvature.

xortdsc
Messages
98
Reaction score
0
Hello,

given a stationary pointlike particle with mass m at some position, I'm trying to compute just how much space is curved/deformed at a distance r from that particle due to its gravitational field.

I'm not really into all that tensor calculus, so I really struggle with the equations given in literature. I hope someone here can clear things up a little.

If I understood that whole SR/GR good enough I'd think it should be possible to compute a (3d vector) field, which in my particular case is still only dependent on the particles mass and the distance from it, which holds the "ratio" of spatial deformation compared to uncurved space (absence of any energy/mass which therefore would yield 1 everywhere).
I'm particularly interested in this ratio, which basically tells me how much space "scales" for each axis for an outside observer.

Thanks and cheers !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
xortdsc said:
I'm particularly interested in this ratio, which basically tells me how much space "scales" for each axis for an outside observer.
Sounds like you are asking about the spatial part of the Schwarzschild metric.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwarzschild_metric#The_Schwarzschild_metric

The ratio of proper radial distance to difference of circumferences divided by 2pi is (1 - rs/r)-1/2
 
Ah, so "sqrt(1-rs/r)" is simultaneously the time dilation ratio and space curvature ratio at distance r. Do I interpret this correctly ?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
7K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K