Newtonian Limit in G.R.: Differences Explained

[hellfire]

According to Sean Carroll’s Lecture Notes on General Relativity, equation (4.20) and text below, the Newtonian limit is obtained when g_{00} = -(1+2\phi). However, in Schutz’s “A first course in General Relativity” it is additionally required that g_{11} = g_{22} = g_{33} = (1+2\phi). I do not understand the need for this. Are both metrics a correct Newtonian limit? Why does Schutz put this additional requirement?

 

[Stingray]

Why does Schutz put this additional requirement?

To be complete. But the spatial components of the metric aren't needed to recover the Newtonian equations of motion. Look at the geodesic equation for objects moving at slow speeds.

 

[hellfire]

To be complete. But the spatial components of the metric aren't needed to recover the Newtonian equations of motion.

Thanks Stingray. So both are correct Newtonian limits. What do you mean with "to be complete"?

 

[Stingray]

Thanks Stingray. So both are correct Newtonian limits. What do you mean with "to be complete"?

I mean that the "Newtonian metric" satisfies both of those conditions. They are not separate things. It's just that the spatial components happen to drop out of the equations of motion as long as they're close to \delta_{ij}.