Ricci tensor equals a constant times the metric

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of the Ricci tensor being proportional to the metric tensor, specifically in the form R_{ab} = Ag_{ab}. Participants explore the physical interpretations of this relationship, particularly in the context of n-spheres and anti-de Sitter spaces (AdS).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if A is positive, the manifold could be an n-sphere, while if A is negative, it could represent AdSn.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial claim but specifies that the relationship holds for particular values of A, specifically n(n-1)/r^2 for n-spheres and a negative sign for AdSn.
  • A different participant questions the correctness of the previous claims and introduces equations for maximally symmetric spaces, stating that R_{\rho \sigma \mu \nu} can be expressed in terms of the Ricci scalar R.
  • This participant also derives that R_{\sigma \nu} = (R/n) g_{\sigma \nu}, which aligns with a reference from Carroll.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about their understanding but acknowledges the correctness of the previous statements, noting a discrepancy in their own calculation of R for an n-sphere.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of confidence in their claims, with some agreeing on the relationships presented while others introduce alternative equations and interpretations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise implications and correctness of the relationships discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the values of A and the specific conditions under which the relationships hold. Additionally, there is a noted discrepancy in the calculations presented by participants, which may affect the conclusions drawn.

Pacopag
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Hello;
What does it mean physically if I have?
[tex]R_{a b} = Ag_{a b}[/tex]

I think it means that my manifold is an n-sphere (i.e. if A is positive),
or it is AdSn (i.e. if A is negative). Is this correct?
 
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I think I got it. What I wrote above is correct for some particular values of A;
[tex]n(n-1) \over r^2[/tex] where r is the radius of the n-sphere.
Put a minus sign in front of this for AdSn
 
Pacopag said:
I think I got it. What I wrote above is correct for some particular values of A;
[tex]n(n-1) \over r^2[/tex] where r is the radius of the n-sphere.
Put a minus sign in front of this for AdSn

Are you sure?

I thought that the equations were the following.

For maximally symmetric spaces, we have (n= number os spacetime dimensions)

[tex]R_{\rho \sigma \mu \nu} = C (g_{\rho \mu} g_{\sigma \nu} - g_{\rho \nu} g_{\sigma \mu})[/tex]

By contracting, you can show that

[tex]C = \frac{R}{n(n-1)}[/tex]
whre R is the Ricci scalar.
Therefore

[tex] R_{\rho \sigma \mu \nu} = \frac{R}{n(n-1)} (g_{\rho \mu} g_{\sigma \nu} - g_{\rho \nu} g_{\sigma \mu})[/tex]


Thsi agrees with eq 3.191 of Carroll

Now, this means

[tex]R_{\sigma \nu} = \frac{R}{n} g_{\sigma \nu}[/tex]
 
To be honest, I don't really know what I'm talking about. But everything you wrote seems correct. But now when I find R for an n-sphere of radius r I find that
[tex]R={n(n-1)\over r^2}[/tex]. So we get
[tex]R_{a b}={n-1\over r^2}g_{a b}[/tex]
Oh wait! That's not what I had above. I had an extra factor of n on the right-hand side.

Thank you kdv
 

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