Gen. Rel. - Simple tensor stuff

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving Einstein's equations for a Robertson-Walker cosmology with a specific stress-energy tensor defined as T_{\mu\nu}=\Lambda g_{\mu\nu}, where Lambda is a scalar. The key equations presented include G_{\mu\nu}=8\pi GT_{\mu\nu} and R_{\mu\nu}-\frac{1}{2}g_{\mu\nu}R=8\pi G \Lambda g_{\mu\nu}. The confusion arises regarding the relationship R=-8\pi GT^{\lambda}_{\lambda}, which is derived from manipulating the equations involving the Ricci scalar R and the trace of the stress-energy tensor T^{\lambda}_{\lambda}. This highlights the importance of understanding the trace and its implications in general relativity.

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quasar987
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Homework Statement


This is a problem that is solved in my course notes, but I don't follow how it's done.

The problem is to find the general solution to Einstein's equations for a Robertson-Walker cosmology with a stress-energy tensor corresponding to the fluctuations of the void in QFT. This only means that [tex]T_{\mu\nu}=\Lambda g_{\mu\nu}[/tex] where lambda is a scalar.

So it start with

[tex]G_{\mu\nu}=8\pi GT_{\mu\nu}[/tex]

[tex]R_{\mu\nu}-\frac{1}{2}g_{\mu\nu}R=8\pi G \Lambda g_{\mu\nu}[/tex]

And then the next line is

[tex]R_{\mu\nu}=8\pi G(\Lambda - \frac{1}{2}g_{\mu\nu}T^{\lambda}_{\lambda})[/tex]

Since when is

[tex]R=-8\pi GT^{\lambda}_{\lambda}[/tex]

?
 
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Since:

[tex]R^\lambda_\lambda-\frac{1}{2}g^\lambda_\lambda R=8\pi G T^\lambda_\lambda[/tex]

and [tex]g^\lambda_\lambda=\delta^\lambda_\lambda=4[/tex] and [tex]R^\lambda_\lambda=R[/tex].

That's since when.
 
Last edited:

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