Four-velocity in a static spacetime

  • Thread starter Thread starter scottie_000
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Spacetime Static
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the four-velocity for an observer at rest in a static spacetime characterized by the line element ds² = -e²φ dt² + hijdxi dxj. The four-velocity is expressed as Va = (V0, 0) with V0 being a function of spatial position only. The relevant Christoffel symbols calculated include Γ000 = 0, Γ00i = ∂φ/∂xi, and Γ0ij = 0. The geodesic equation simplifies to ˙V0 = 0, indicating that V0 does not depend on coordinate time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static spacetime and its properties
  • Familiarity with Christoffel symbols and their calculations
  • Knowledge of four-velocity in general relativity
  • Proficiency in geodesic equations and their implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Christoffel symbols in static spacetimes
  • Learn about the implications of four-velocity in general relativity
  • Research the relationship between proper time and coordinate time in curved spacetimes
  • Explore the concept of geodesics in more complex spacetime scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on general relativity and spacetime geometry, will benefit from this discussion.

scottie_000
Messages
49
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am given a static spacetime line element which has the property that the metric is time independent. I am asked to calculate some of the Christoffel symbols, which I have done.

The question asks to show that for an observer at rest, the four-velocity is given by V^a = (V^0,\textbf{0}), where V^0 = V^0(\textbf{x}) is a function of only spatial position

Homework Equations


Line element ds^2 = -e^{2\phi} dt^2 + h_{ij}dx^i dx^j
Relevant Christoffel symbols (as calculated)
\Gamma^0_{00} = 0
\Gamma^0_{0i} = \frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x^i}
\Gamma^0_{ij} = 0
Four-velocity V^a = \frac{dx^a}{d\tau}
Geodesic equation:
\dot{V}^0 + 2\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x^i}V^0 V^i = 0


The Attempt at a Solution


I am willing to believe that the spatial part of V^a is 0, since I am told the observer is at rest. Is this correct?
Given this, I think the geodesic equation should become just
\dot{V}^0 =0
but I don't see how this shows that V^0 should be a function of just spatial variables, since the dot represents proper time, not coordinate time.
Is there any way to prove that it ought to be coordinate-time-independent?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone have any ideas? I'm sure it's very simple, but I can't think how to actually prove it
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K