Finding Most General Form of Rindler Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation and understanding of Rindler coordinates, particularly focusing on the relationship between the coordinates and proper time. Participants explore the definitions and formulations presented in the context of Rindler frames, as referenced in Wikipedia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the derivation of Rindler coordinates, specifically questioning the relationship ##\varphi = t/a##.
  • Another participant asserts that the expression ##\varphi = t/a## is incorrect and suggests it should be ##\varphi = a t##, indicating a misunderstanding of the proper time along the worldline.
  • A later reply acknowledges the error in typing and seems to accept the correction regarding the definition of ##\varphi##.
  • There is a suggestion to compute the proper time along the worldline of a Rindler-stationary observer, prompting further exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formulation of ##\varphi## initially, but there is acknowledgment of the correction made regarding its definition. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved as participants continue to explore the implications of the proper time calculation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings in the definitions and relationships within Rindler coordinates, particularly concerning proper time and its representation. There may be limitations in the assumptions made about the definitions used in the derivation.

kent davidge
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I'm searching, but so far I have not found a derivation of the coordinates shown by wikipedia in the very beginning of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rindler_coordinates#Characteristics_of_the_Rindler_frame.

It seems obvious from the relation ##X^2 - T^2 = 1 / a^2##, (##c = 1##), that ##X = (1/a) \cosh \varphi## and ##Y = (1/a) \sinh \varphi##, but that ##\varphi = t/a## is not obvious.

Sorry, I've titled this thread as "the most general form" but later realized that the form I'm talking about is not the most general form. Anyways the question remains.
 
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kent davidge said:
that ##\varphi = t/a## is not obvious.

It shouldn't be, since it's wrong. As you've defined ##\varphi##, it should be ##\varphi = a t##, where ##t## is the proper time along the worldline.
 
PeterDonis said:
It shouldn't be, since it's wrong. As you've defined ##\varphi##, it should be ##\varphi = a t##, where ##t## is the proper time along the worldline.
Yes, I typed it wrong.
 
Did you try computing the proper time along the worldline of a Rindler-stationary observer? If so, what did you get?
 
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Orodruin said:
Did you try computing the proper time along the worldline of a Rindler-stationary observer? If so, what did you get?
Thanks. Got it after your hint.
 

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