How Does the Metric of a 4-D Spacetime Define Its Symmetry and Expansion?

In summary, a metric in 4-D space-time is a mathematical tool that measures the distance between two points in four dimensions of space and time. This metric is different from the one used in 3-D space as it considers the dimension of time. The significance of the 4-D space-time metric lies in its role in Einstein's theory of general relativity, which explains how the presence of mass and energy affects the fabric of space-time. This metric is used in physics to calculate the effects of gravity and understand the behavior of matter and energy, as well as in cosmology to study the structure and evolution of the universe. While it cannot be visualized, it can be mathematically represented and used to make predictions about the behavior
  • #1
Apashanka
429
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Our 4-D space is ##x^1,x^2,x^3 ,t##.
Our sub-manifold is defined by ##(x^1,x^2,x^3)##
Therefore for this sub-manifold to be maximally symmetric and for which the tangent vector ##\frac{∂}{∂t}(\hat t)## orthogonal to this sub-manifold
The metric becomes,
##ds^2=g(t)dt^2+f(t)(dr^2+r^2d\Omega^2)##
From the known metric for 4-D space and comparing this with above ##g(t)=-1## and for static ##f(t)=1## and for expanding ##f(t)=a(t)^2## ,is it the case ??
And can we say that the hypersurface to any t is orthogonal to the increament direction of t??
 
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  • #2
Apashanka said:
the known metric for 4-D space

First, spacetime, not space. You got this right in the title of the thread.

Second, what metric for 4-D spacetime? There is no single "known" metric; it depends on what spacetime you want to look at.

Apashanka said:
comparing this with above ##g(t)=-1## and for static ##f(t)=1## and for expanding ##f(t)=a(t)^2## ,is it the case ??

Is what the case? What are you asking?

Apashanka said:
can we say that the hypersurface to any t is orthogonal to the increament direction of t??

If you mean, is every hypersurface of constant ##t## orthogonal to the vector ##\partial / \partial t##, you should be able to answer that from the last thread we had on that subject.
 

1. What is a metric in 4-D space-time?

A metric in 4-D space-time is a mathematical concept that describes the distance between two points in a four-dimensional space-time continuum. It is represented by a matrix of values that determines the geometry of the space-time, including the curvature and the relationships between points.

2. How is a metric used in 4-D space-time?

A metric is used to calculate the length of a path between two points in 4-D space-time. It is also used to determine the shortest distance between two points, as well as to calculate the curvature of the space-time at a particular point.

3. What are the units of measurement for a metric in 4-D space-time?

The units of measurement for a metric in 4-D space-time depend on the specific system of measurement being used. In general relativity, the metric is often measured in terms of meters per second squared, representing the curvature of space-time.

4. How does a metric in 4-D space-time differ from a metric in 3-D space?

A metric in 4-D space-time is more complex than a metric in 3-D space because it takes into account the fourth dimension of time. This means that the metric includes terms for the curvature of time as well as space, and can describe the relationships between events in the space-time continuum.

5. What are some real-world applications of a metric in 4-D space-time?

A metric in 4-D space-time has many practical applications, including in the study of general relativity, cosmology, and physics. It is also used in fields such as astronomy and space exploration to understand the behavior of objects in the universe and to make predictions about their movements and interactions.

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