Physics Quantity Corresponding to Christoffel

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    Christoffel Physics
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The discussion clarifies that Christoffel symbols represent the coordinate form of the covariant derivative associated with the Levi-Civita connection. While they are related to the curvature of space, they do not directly correspond to the gravitational field. Christoffel symbols can exist independently of gravity, particularly in curvilinear coordinates, and can be locally nullified by selecting local Lorentz coordinates. This distinction is crucial for understanding their role in general relativity and differential geometry.

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dpa
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Hi Everyone!

Somewhere I read <:rolleyes:or possibly I think so and am wrong> that christoffel symbols correspond to gravitational field.

Is there any physical Quantity corresponding to Christoffel symbols? Could you be more explicit as to how the physical quantity corresponds to Christoffel Symbol?

Thank You

Sincerely
DPA
:smile:
 
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The Christoffel symbols are the coordinate representation (in a coordinate basis) of the covariant derivative given by the Levi-Civita connection.

The Christoffel symbols are adjustments for how basis vectors "twist around" in a general curved geometry (or even in a flat space but with curved coordinates). As such, they are not, strictly speaking, "the gravitational field", since they can exist in the absence of the gravitational field if we just choose curvilinear coordinates rather than cartesian coordinates. Additionally, even in the presence of a gravitational field, they can be locally (at a point) set to zero by choosing local Lorentz coordinates around that point.
 

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