Effects of Constant Curvature on Radiation: Red-Shift or Unaffected?

In summary, the conversation discusses the effect of a constant curvature in a space-time region on radiation, specifically whether it would cause a red-shift or blue-shift as the radiation passes through. The conversation also touches on the metric tensor and the general term of "curvature" and its implications in different cosmological solutions. There is mention of the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker metric and the possibility of a constant spatial curvature but a time-varying curvature scalar.
  • #1
thehangedman
69
2
If a certain space-time region has a constant curvature (caused by, say, an even distribution of energy over the region) how would radiation be effected by the curvature? Would it create a red-shift / blue-shift as the radiation moved through the region or would it be un-effected?

Has anyone explicitly solved for the metric tensor in the case of an even distribution of energy over a region of space?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Most cosmological solutions are like this. See for example the Wikipedia page "Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker metric". ("FRW" works too.)
 
  • #3
"Curvature" is a rather general term. Do you know what particular sort of curvature you want to be constant, hangedman, or are you just trying to get a "feel" for what curvature is?

I think most of the cosmological solutions will have a constant spatial curvature, for instance, but a time-varying curvature scalar R.
 

1. How does constant curvature affect the red-shift of radiation?

Constant curvature, also known as a curved spacetime, can cause the red-shift of radiation. This is due to the phenomenon of gravitational time dilation, where time moves slower in regions with stronger gravity. As radiation travels through a curved spacetime, it experiences this time dilation, causing it to appear to have a longer wavelength, or a red-shift.

2. Does the amount of curvature have an impact on the red-shift of radiation?

Yes, the amount of curvature does have an impact on the red-shift of radiation. The stronger the curvature of spacetime, the greater the red-shift will be. This is because the gravitational time dilation is more significant in regions with stronger curvature.

3. Can constant curvature also cause a blue-shift in radiation?

Yes, constant curvature can also cause a blue-shift in radiation. This happens when radiation travels towards an area with stronger curvature, causing it to experience time dilation in the opposite direction. This results in a shorter wavelength, or a blue-shift.

4. Are there any other factors besides constant curvature that can affect the red-shift of radiation?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the red-shift of radiation. For example, the relative motion of the source of radiation can also cause a red-shift or blue-shift, known as the Doppler effect. Additionally, the expansion of the universe can also contribute to the red-shift of distant sources of radiation.

5. Is it possible for radiation to be unaffected by constant curvature?

It is possible for radiation to be unaffected by constant curvature. This can occur when the curvature is not strong enough to cause significant time dilation, or when the radiation is traveling perpendicular to the direction of curvature. In these cases, the radiation would not experience a red-shift or blue-shift.

Similar threads

I Effects of magnetism on spacetime curvature, and implications
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
488
B Faster Than Light Travel: Exploring the Possibilities of Spacetime Curvature
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
10
Views
1K
I Invariant Mass-Energy in FRW Spacetime
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
19
Views
1K
B Infinite Curvature & Hawking Radiation Explained
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Adapting Schwarzschild Metric for Nonzero Λ
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
903
I Effect of Black Hole Spin on Gravity
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
18
Views
1K
I Gravity: Compounded Space (Time) Signal?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
1K
B Some questions about the Doppler Effect at high velocities
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
1K
I Measuring Space Curvature w/ Swarzschild Coordinate System: Q&A
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Does Time Drive Black Hole Travelers to a Central Singularity?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top