Newtonian limit to schwarschild radial geodesic

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the Newtonian limit of the radial geodesic in the context of general relativity. Vaibhav presents the equation \(\frac{d^2r}{d\tau^2}=\frac{GM}{r^2}\) and explores the transition from proper time \(\tau\) to coordinate time \(t\) to recover Newton's Law. The conversation highlights the need for a more systematic approach to this derivation, particularly through the use of the Lorentz factor \(\gamma\) and its implications in transforming the equations of motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity concepts, particularly geodesics
  • Familiarity with differential equations and their applications in physics
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz factor and its role in time dilation
  • Basic principles of Newtonian mechanics for comparison
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of geodesics in general relativity using the Einstein field equations
  • Learn about the weak field limit and its implications in gravitational physics
  • Explore the mathematical treatment of non-linear differential equations in physics
  • Investigate the relationship between proper time and coordinate time in relativistic contexts
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Physicists, students of general relativity, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of gravitational theories will benefit from this discussion.

vaibhavtewari
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Hello Everyone,

While trying to find the Newtonian limit to radial geodesic I was able to find that

[tex]\frac{d^2r}{d\tau^2}=\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex]

In the weak field limit we can naively replace [tex]\tau[/tex] by "t" and recover Newtons Law, this though does not sound very rigorous. Can some-one suggest a much systematic way.

regards,
Vaibhav
 
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Rewrite the derivative as

[tex] \frac{d^2r}{d\tau^2}= \Bigl(\frac{dt}{d\tau}\Bigr)^2 \frac{d^2 r}{dt^2}[/tex]

and see what the Newtonian limit says about

[tex] \frac{dt}{d\tau} = \gamma[/tex]
 
Thankyou for replying, I was thinking about that and was writing [tex]\gamma=1-(\frac{dr}{dt})^2[/tex] that leads to a second order non-linear differential equation

[tex]\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=[1-(\frac{dr}{dt})^2]\frac{Gm}{r^2}[/tex]

any suggestions after this ? What do you think ?
 

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