How Einstein field equation becomes the Poisson equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between the Einstein field equations in general relativity and the Poisson equation in Newtonian gravity. Participants explore how the mathematical framework of general relativity can be shown to reduce to Newtonian gravity under certain conditions, specifically through the use of the gravitational potential ϕ.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to demonstrate that the equation ∇²ϕ = ρ/2, which describes gravity in Newtonian physics, can be derived from the Einstein field equations.
  • Another participant questions the definition and role of the gravitational potential ϕ in the context of the discussion.
  • A participant references a specific formulation of the metric tensor g, which incorporates the gravitational potential ϕ as a time-independent quantity, suggesting its relevance to the discussion.
  • There is a suggestion to calculate the Christoffel symbols and express local curvature and Ricci curvature to further explore the relationship between the two equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the derivation process or the definitions involved, and multiple viewpoints regarding the mathematical approach and interpretations remain evident.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the nature of the gravitational potential ϕ and its relationship to the metric tensor, which may not be universally defined. The steps to derive the equations are not fully resolved, and the dependence on specific mathematical formulations is acknowledged.

lili 73
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I want to show that ∇2ϕ=ρ/2, which governs gravity in Newtonian physics?
I found solution of this question in [General Relativity for Mathematicians, R.K.Sachs and H.Wu, 1997, page 112&271].
Solution refer to optional exercise as follows:

Let R^ be the (0, 4) –tensor field physically equivalent to the curvature tensor of (ℝ4,g) .
(a) Show, that R^ corresponds to - (∂ϕ/∂xμ∂xν)eμ ⊗ eν. The tidal force tensor of Newtonian physics.
(b) Show Ric(∂4, ∂4)= ∇2ϕ.
(c) Show that , in the sense of the convections ,the Einstein tensor G becomes 2∇2ϕ .

Please help me to understand how Einstein field equation becomes the Poisson equation?
 
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what exactly is \phi and how is it related to g.
 
in that book ,the author use a native spacetime (ℝ4,g) with g,

g=-(1+2 ϕ)du4⊗ du4+(1-2 ϕ)\sumduα⊗ duα ,where ϕ:ℝ3→ℝ will be interpreted as a time –independent Newtonian gravitational potential .
(sigma from 1 to 3).
 
Have you tried calculating the christoffel symbols and then just writing out local expressions for the curvature and Ricci curvature?
 

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