Curved space and curvilinear coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between curvilinear coordinates in Euclidean space and the concept of embedding a curved space into Euclidean space. Participants explore theoretical aspects, definitions, and implications of these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the difference between curvilinear coordinates in Euclidean space and embedding curved space into Euclidean space, seeking clarification.
  • Another participant states that embedding typically involves a lower-dimensional manifold, while curvilinear coordinates describe the Euclidean space itself.
  • A claim is made that Euclidean local coordinates cannot be introduced in a curved space.
  • One participant suggests that curvilinear coordinates define tangent space, but in curved space, they also define a normal component, questioning the validity of this assertion.
  • A participant advises another to study the definition of manifolds first, implying a lack of foundational understanding.
  • It is noted that Euclidean coordinates are local coordinates on a manifold, with a specific mathematical expression provided.
  • A later reply challenges the previous assertion about curvilinear coordinates defining normal components in curved space, emphasizing that the general definition of a manifold does not rely on embedding into higher-dimensional Euclidean space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between curvilinear coordinates and curved spaces, with some asserting limitations on the introduction of Euclidean coordinates in curved spaces, while others challenge these claims. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific definitions and concepts related to manifolds and tangent spaces, but the discussion does not clarify all assumptions or definitions, leaving some points ambiguous.

mertcan
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hi, I really wonder what the difference between curvilinear coordinates in a Euclidean space and embedding a curved space into Euclidean space is ? They resemble to each other for me, so Could you explain or spell out the difference? Thanks in advance...
 
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An embedding is usually of a lower-dimensional manifold. Curvilinear coordinates are used to describe the Euclidean space itself.
 
You can not introduce Euclidian local coordinates in a curved space
 
I think curvilinear coordinates generally define tangent space, but in curved space also defines normal component besides the tangent space. Am I right? I saw some close definition like this. Is it true?
 
why do not you study the definition of the manifold first?
 
By definition the Euclidean coordinates are the local coordinates ##x^i## on a manifold such that ##\nabla_i\equiv \frac{\partial }{\partial x^i}##
 
mertcan said:
I think curvilinear coordinates generally define tangent space, but in curved space also defines normal component besides the tangent space. Am I right? I saw some close definition like this. Is it true?
No. You have several threads hinting that you are reading a text which presents manifolds in general through their embedding into a higher dimensional Euclidean space. The general definition of a manifold and its tangent space does not require this. I suggest that you pick up a reference where manifolds are treated properly.
 

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