GR algebra pretty much (weak limit thm)

  • Thread starter Thread starter binbagsss
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra Gr Limit
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around algebraic manipulations related to the weak limit theorem in the context of recovering Newtonian equations. The original poster presents equations involving the metric tensor and questions the relationship between different forms of derivatives in this framework.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how the expression involving the metric tensor leads to a specific form of the derivative. Some participants discuss the conventions for the flat space metric tensor and their implications on the derivatives.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different conventions for the metric tensor and how these affect the relationships between derivatives. There is an ongoing examination of the implications of these conventions, but no consensus has been reached on the original poster's confusion regarding the algebraic manipulation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the metric tensor is diagonal and discuss the implications of this on the notation used for derivatives. The original poster's question highlights a potential ambiguity in the algebraic steps taken in the problem.

binbagsss
Messages
1,291
Reaction score
12

Homework Statement


Hi

I am stuck on a small algebra set in the weak limit theorem to recover Newtonian equations

The text I am looking at:

##\frac{d^2x^i}{ds^2}+\Gamma^i_{tt}\frac{dt}{ds}\frac{dt}{ds}=0## (1)

##\Gamma^{i}_{tt}=-1/2 \eta^{ij}\partial_{j}h_{tt} ## (to first oder in the metric ##h_{uv}##) (2)

##dt/ds \approx 1##
and so using (2), (1) becomes:

##\frac{d^2 x^i}{ds^2}=-1/2\partial_ih_{tt}## (3)

MY QUESTION

##-1/2\eta^{ij}\partial_jh_{tt}## in (2)
##= -1/2 \partial^{i} h_tt ##

So for (3) I am getting

##\frac{d^2 x^i}{ds^2}=1/2\partial^ih_{tt}##

Im really confused how

##-1/2\eta^{ij}\partial_jh_{tt}=1/2\partial_{i}h_{tt}## , or at least that is what it looks like has been done.

Many thanks

Homework Equations



see above[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


see above
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are two conventions for the flat space metric tensor (in Cartesian coordinates):
  1. \eta^{tt} = +1, \eta^{xx} = \eta^{yy} = \eta^{zz} =-1 (all the other components zero)
  2. \eta^{tt} = -1, \eta^{xx} = \eta^{yy} = \eta^{zz} =+1 (all the other components zero)
If they are using the first convention, then \partial_i = - \partial^i.
 
stevendaryl said:
There are two conventions for the flat space metric tensor (in Cartesian coordinates):
  1. \eta^{tt} = +1, \eta^{xx} = \eta^{yy} = \eta^{zz} =-1 (all the other components zero)
  2. \eta^{tt} = -1, \eta^{xx} = \eta^{yy} = \eta^{zz} =+1 (all the other components zero)
If they are using the first convention, then \partial_i = - \partial^i.

I have ##\eta^{ij}\partial_{j}=-\partial^i ## , don't know how to show \partial_i = - \partial^i. ( well since ##\eta## is diagonal I know I really have ##i=j## but to keep the index notation clear..)
 
binbagsss said:
I have ##\eta^{ij}\partial_{j}=-\partial^i ## , don't know how to show \partial_i = - \partial^i. ( well since ##\eta## is diagonal I know I really have ##i=j## but to keep the index notation clear..)

In the usual tensor notation, \partial_\mu \equiv \sum_{\nu} \eta_{\mu \nu} \partial^\nu where \eta_{\mu \nu} is the metric tensor. So if \eta_{\mu \nu} is diagonal with diagonal entries (+1, -1, -1, -1), then

\partial_t = \partial^t
\partial_x = - \partial^x
\partial_y = - \partial^y
\partial_z = - \partial^z
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K