Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around whether the Komar mass includes the energy of the gravitational field or only the energy of matter. Participants explore this question in the context of different spacetime geometries, specifically Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordström (RN) spacetimes, discussing the implications of gravitational binding energy and electric field contributions.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question if the Komar mass includes only the energy of matter or also the energy of the gravitational field.
- It is noted that the Komar mass calculated for Schwarzschild spacetime results in the mass of the central star, but this mass is interpreted as being smaller due to the negative contribution from gravitational binding energy.
- Others argue that the Komar mass for RN spacetime also yields the mass M, suggesting that contributions from electric fields should be included in the total energy of the spacetime.
- Some participants express confusion about why the Komar mass, which is defined as the total energy of the whole spacetime, equals the mass of the central body.
- There are claims that the mass of the central body should account for both matter and field energies, leading to a perceived discrepancy in the understanding of mass in general relativity compared to Newtonian physics.
- Participants discuss the independence of the Komar mass integral from the choice of the spherical surface, raising questions about the energy of the gravitational field between different surfaces.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach consensus on whether the Komar mass includes the energy of the gravitational field or how it relates to the mass of the central body. Multiple competing views remain regarding the interpretation of the Komar mass and its components.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the definitions of mass and energy in general relativity versus Newtonian physics. The implications of gravitational binding energy and electric field contributions are not fully resolved.