Continuity equation from Stress-Energy tensor

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the continuity equation derived from the stress-energy tensor, specifically focusing on the expression involving the energy-momentum tensor and its implications in both classical and general relativity contexts. Participants explore the computation of the tensor and its components, as well as the theoretical foundations behind its conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to arrive at the continuity equation involving the stress-energy tensor and expresses uncertainty about the tensor's components.
  • Another participant identifies the tensor in question as the energy-momentum tensor for non-interacting dust and provides its mathematical form.
  • There is a mention of the conservation of the energy-momentum tensor being derivable from Noether's theorem in classical physics and from diffeomorphism invariance in general relativity.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the reference to a book, indicating difficulty in locating it.
  • Another participant clarifies the author's name of the recommended book as d'Inverno, suggesting it is titled "Introducing Einstein's Relativity."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the form of the energy-momentum tensor and its relevance to the continuity equation, but there is some uncertainty regarding the derivation and the specific references to literature.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the energy-momentum tensor and the specific conditions under which the conservation laws apply, as well as the unresolved details of the derivation process.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and researchers interested in the foundations of general relativity, the mathematical formulation of the stress-energy tensor, and the principles of conservation in physics.

Jonny_trigonometry
Messages
451
Reaction score
0
It is true that [tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x^\beta} T^{0 \beta} = \gamma^2 c \left( \frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t} + \vec{\nabla} \bullet \left[ \rho \vec{v} \right] \right) = 0[/tex]

but, how do we arrive at this point?

What is in [tex]T^{ \alpha \beta}[/tex]

and how do we compute it for any alpha? I'm sorry if this is a no brainer. I missed some critical lectures.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That T you've got there is the energy momentum tensor. In your case, it is the energy momentum tensor for non-interacting dus,

[tex] T^{\mu\nu} = \rho_{0}\frac{dx^{\mu}}{d\tau}\frac{dx^{\nu}}{d\tau}[/tex]

.

Why this conservation is true, is another story. In the classical case, it can be derived from Noether's theorem. In the general relativistic case, the conservation is a consequence of something called diffemorphism invariance.

I recommend you to take a look at the book of Inverno about general relativity, chapter 12 ( .1,2,3). There it is all explained :)
 
thanks for the reply, but I can't find that book, is Inverno the author?
 
haushofer probably means d'Inverno (Introducing Einstein's Relativity)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
877
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 59 ·
2
Replies
59
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K