Ricci Tensor from Schwarzschild Metric

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the Ricci tensor from the Schwarzschild metric in the context of general relativity. Participants explore the formulation of the metric, the associated tensors, and the implications of their calculations, with a focus on potential errors and clarifications regarding the Schwarzschild solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a specific form of the Schwarzschild metric and expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their choices for A(r) and B(r).
  • Another participant points out that the Schwarzschild metric is a solution of the GR field equations with a zero Ricci tensor, questioning the formulation presented.
  • A participant acknowledges a typo in their metric expression but maintains that their calculations are based on the Schwarzschild metric.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential switching of A(r) and B(r), with a suggestion that all Ricci components should be zero.
  • One participant discusses the contraction of the Riemann tensor to obtain the Ricci tensor, noting a possible error in the indices used for contraction.
  • A participant asserts that their calculations of the metric tensors and affinities are derived from the Schwarzschild metric and discusses the symmetry in the Ricci tensor's formulation.
  • A later reply directs attention to another thread and a PDF file for curvature results, suggesting that the metric tensor is already given and that the focus should be on calculating the connections and Riemann tensor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the metric formulation and the calculations of the Ricci tensor. There is no consensus on the accuracy of the initial assumptions or the results derived from them.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential errors in the formulation of the metric and the calculations of the Ricci tensor, including issues with the indices used in tensor contractions. The discussion remains open-ended regarding the correctness of the initial choices for A(r) and B(r).

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Looking for the Schwarzschild Solution for this equation:

[tex]ds^2 = -A(r) / c^2 * dr^2 - r^2 / c^2 *(d\\theta^2 +(sin(\\theta))^2 *d\\phi^2) + B(r) * dt^2[/tex]

where

A(r) = 1 / (1-2*m/r)
And
B(r) = (1-2*m/r)

From this can be calculated the co- and contra-varient metric tensors and Affinity:
[tex]g_{ab}[/tex]
[tex]g^{ab}[/tex]
[tex]\Gamma^{c}_{ab}[/tex]

Ricci Tensor is:

[tex]R_{bc} = R^{a}_{bca} = \Gamma^{a}_{dc}*\Gamma^{d}_{ba} - \Gamma^{a}_{da}*\Gamma^{d}_{bc} + d/dx^{c} * \Gamma^{a}_{ba} - d/dx^{a} * \Gamma^{a}_{bc}[/tex]

My solution is a 4x4 matrix with all zeros except on the diagonal.

My choices for A(r) and B(r) may not be correct for Earth’s orbit and geodesics. Could
someone steer me in the right direction.
 
Last edited:
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I don't understand what this means

Looking for the Schwarzschild Solution for this equation,

The Schwarzschild metric is a solution of the GR field equations which has a zero Ricci tensor.

Is your formula as you want it ? dphi should be squared, and it seems to be missing a '+' also.
 
My calculations included the squared term just a typo:

[tex]ds^2 = -A(r) / c^{2} * dr^{2}-r^{2} / c^{2} *(d\theta^{2} + (sin(\theta))^{2} *d\phi^{2}) + B(r) * dt^{2}[/tex]
 
OK. I think you've got A(r) and B(r) switched. All the Ricci components should be zero.
I've just seen another possible error. To contract the Riemann tensor to the Ricci, indexes 1 and 3 are summed over. You are showing contraction over the first and last.
 
The Schwarzschild metric was taken directly from a textbook and confirmed from many websites. My calculations of the metric tensors and affinity are from the Schwarzschild metric. I switched the indices for the Ricci Tensor is summed from the Riemann 1st and 3rd indices and the Ricci tensor was not all zeros with nonzero on the diagonal.

[tex]R_{bc} = R^{a}_{bac}[/tex]

produces the same result because of symmetry

[tex]R_{bc} = R^{a}_{bca} = R^{a}_{bac}[/tex]

What is the rank of this operation?
 
Last edited:
Hi,
please have a look at this thread, and the PDF file there which has the curvature results.

You aren't calculating the metric tensor - that is given. I assume you calculated the connections and used them to get the Riemann tensor.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=243517
 

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