Einstein Field Equations Locations

In summary: originally posted by meteormultiplying tensor with scalar is exactly like multiplying vector with scalar, if that is what you are asking.
  • #1
meteor
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Looking for Einstein Field Equations, in certain places put that they are 10 and in other places put that they are 16. Which is the correct number?
 
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  • #2
16. Look at http://www.etsu.edu/physics/plntrm/relat/general.htm if you're not sure what's going in that one). About 3/4 of the way down they get to the field equations.
 
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  • #3
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  • #4
BTW, I would like to give a look to them, but in all the webs appear in compact form. Does exist any web where I can find the 16 EFE?
 
  • #5
No. It is 10. Field eqn is

Einstein Tensor = Energy-Momentum tensor

Both tensors are symmetric. In 4 dimension symmetric matrices has 10 independent components. Indeed, among these 10 eqns. only 6 of them has dynamical information. The other 4 is constraints on initial data.

Instanton
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Zefram
16. Look at http://www.etsu.edu/physics/plntrm/relat/general.htm if you're not sure what's going in that one). About 3/4 of the way down they get to the field equations.

the page cited is from the East Tennessee State University
http://www.etsu.edu/physics/

and the specific page cited is
http://www.etsu.edu/physics/plntrm/relat/general.htm

the form of the Einstein equation cited on this page is "R=0" (with mu, nu subscripts which I don't want to have to write) and this is not the version that one usually sees

Usually one sees it arranged this way:
G = 8pi T (with mu, nu subscripts)

this is the form shown in the U. Winnipeg page cited by meteor,
where they say 10 equations.

Probably instanton represents the majority view (10 eqs.)
namely what shows up at meteor's winnipeg site

http://scholar.uwinnipeg.ca/courses...d-Equations.htm [Broken]
 
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  • #7
No. It is 10. Field eqn is

Einstein Tensor = Energy-Momentum tensor
Sure?I have seen that the formula is
Einstein tensor=k*Energy-Momentum tensor
being k a constant. There is no agreement in what is the value of this constant, 8*pi or 8*pi*G. Anybody knows?
Is the Einstein tensor a variant or a contravariant tensor?
 
  • #8
First, for Marcus.

R = 0 is a special case of Einstein eqn, which is G_a_b = 8* pi*G* T_a_b. (here G is a Newton's gravitational constant. The factor 8*pi* G is for matcing Newtonian theory of gravity for slow motion - or weak field limit.)

G_a_b = R_a_b - (1/2)*(g_a_b)*R where g_a_b is a metric tensor, R_a_b is a Ricci tensor, and R is a Ricci scalar. If you contract G_a_b you will get -R in 4 dimensional spacetime. R = 0 is true when T = 0, usually for vacuum spacetime.

For meteor,
I've already answer to your first question. Einstein tensor is usually defined as a second rank covariant tensor.

Instanton
 
  • #9
I've already answer to your first question. Einstein tensor is usually defined as a second rank covariant tensor.

I trust in your word, but believe me that there are certain pages where it appears like a contravariant tensor:
http://people.hofstra.edu/faculty/Stefan_Waner/diff_geom/Sec10.html [Broken]
www.pa.uky.edu/~cvj/as500_lec17/as500_lec17.html[/URL]

or like a mixed tensor:
[PLAIN]http://folk.uio.no/kkarlsen/docu/gr1/node22.html [Broken]

I suppose that the Ricci tensor and the metric tensor are covariant tensors too
 
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  • #10
Originally posted by meteor
I trust in your word, but believe me that there are certain pages where it appears like a contravariant tensor:

You can always convert from covariant-->contravariant by using the metric tensor.

Aμν=gμσgντAστ
 
  • #11
The answer is 10.

There are, of course, 16 equations in any 4x4 tensor equation. 6 of them disappear when you impose symmetry, and there are thus only 10 unique equations.

meteor, the reason the proportionality constant is either 8 pi G or 8 pi in the Einstein equation is simply because some people choose to work in natural units (G = 1) while others do not.

- Warren
 
  • #12
In the EFE, in the metric tensor, you have to put the tensor of the metric that you are using? For example if you are using the Minkowski metric you have to put the Minkowski metric tensor, or if you are using the euclidean metric, you have to put the euclidean metric tensor?
another question: how to multiply a tensor with an scalar? Exists any web that explain this?
 
  • #13
Originally posted by meteor
In the EFE, in the metric tensor, you have to put the tensor of the metric that you are using? For example if you are using the Minkowski metric you have to put the Minkowski metric tensor, or if you are using the euclidean metric, you have to put the euclidean metric tensor?
another question: how to multiply a tensor with an scalar? Exists any web that explain this?

Einstein equation is 10 coupled non-linear second order partial diffrential equation of metric components. So, for given boundary condition and matter distribution you are solving for metric. Of course there are subtleties. To being able to define energy-momentum tensor of matter we need information on background metric. So, usually you fix backround metric and matter distribution, then perturbatively calculate it's solution. Of course there are few examples of exact solutions, but they are usually rare.

Multiplyng tensor with scalar is exactly like multiplying vector with scalar, if that is what you are asking.

Instanton
 

1. What are Einstein Field Equations?

Einstein Field Equations are a set of mathematical equations developed by Albert Einstein to describe the relationship between matter, energy, and the curvature of space-time in the theory of general relativity.

2. Why are they important?

Einstein Field Equations are important because they provide a framework for understanding the behavior of gravity and its effects on the universe. They have been used to make predictions about the behavior of objects in space, such as the bending of light around massive objects and the existence of black holes.

3. Where can I find the locations of the Einstein Field Equations?

The Einstein Field Equations can be found in various textbooks and online resources on general relativity and theoretical physics. They are also available in scientific journals and publications.

4. How do the equations relate to Einstein's theory of relativity?

Einstein's theory of relativity is based on the concept that gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass and energy. The Einstein Field Equations are the mathematical representation of this theory and describe how matter and energy curve space-time.

5. Are the Einstein Field Equations still relevant today?

Yes, the Einstein Field Equations are still relevant today and are widely used in modern physics and astrophysics. They have been tested and confirmed through numerous experiments and observations, and continue to be a crucial tool for understanding the universe and its behavior.

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