What is the Riemann Curvature Tensor for Flat and Minkowski Space?

In summary, the conversation focused on showing that all components of the Riemann curvature tensor are equal to zero for both flat and Minkowski space. The Christoffel symbols for Minkowski space-time in standard coordinates were derived and it was concluded that the Riemann curvature tensor is equal to zero due to the constant metric components.
  • #1
Elliptic
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Homework Statement



Show that all components of Riemann curvarue tensor are equal to zero for flat and Minkowski space.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


## (ds)^2=(dx^1)^2+(dx^2)^2+...+(dx^n)^2 \\
R_{MNB}^A=\partial _{N}\Gamma ^{A}_{MB}-\partial _{M}\Gamma ^{A}_{NB}+\Gamma ^{A}_{NC}\Gamma_{MB}-\Gamma ^{C}_{NB}\Gamma_{MC} ##
 
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  • #2
It's a straightforward problem. What are the Christoffel symbols for Minkowski space-time in the standard coordinates?
 
  • #3
##
\Gamma^{K}_{MK}=\frac{1}{2}\left(\partial_Mg_{ML}+\partial_Ng_{ML}-\partial_Lg_{MN} \right ) ##
 
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  • #4
Yes but can you tell me why?
 
  • #5
Elliptic said:
##
\Gamma^{K}_{MK}=\frac{1}{2}\left(\partial_Mg_{ML}+\partial_Ng_{ML}-\partial_Lg_{MN} \right ) ##
Ok but you don't need to edit your posts, you can just reply to my subsequent posts (it makes it easier to keep track of who's saying what). Ok so you know the Christoffel symbols vanish identically because the metric components are constant. So what does that say about the Riemann curvature tensor based on the usual formula?
 
  • #6
That Riemann curvarue tensor is equal to zero?
 
  • #7
Yeahp that's it! :)
 
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  • #8
Thanks. I have another problem, but i must respect the rules of forum and post a new thread.
 
  • #9
Alrighty :)
 

1. What is the Riemann curvature tensor?

The Riemann curvature tensor is a mathematical object that describes the curvature of a space. It is used in the field of differential geometry to measure how much a space is curved at a given point.

2. How is the Riemann curvature tensor calculated?

The Riemann curvature tensor is calculated using the Christoffel symbols, which are derived from the metric tensor of the space. It involves taking multiple derivatives of the metric tensor and then performing a series of calculations to obtain the final result.

3. What does the Riemann curvature tensor tell us about a space?

The Riemann curvature tensor provides information about the intrinsic curvature of a space. It tells us how much the space is curved at a given point, in which direction it is curved, and how quickly the curvature changes as we move in different directions.

4. How is the Riemann curvature tensor related to Einstein's theory of general relativity?

The Riemann curvature tensor is a fundamental component in Einstein's theory of general relativity. It is used to describe the curvature of spacetime, which is the foundation of the theory. The equations of general relativity involve the Riemann curvature tensor and its derivatives.

5. In what situations is the Riemann curvature tensor used?

The Riemann curvature tensor is used in various fields, including differential geometry, general relativity, and theoretical physics. It is used to study the curvature of different types of spaces, such as Euclidean space, curved surfaces, and higher-dimensional spaces. It is also used in the study of black holes, gravitational waves, and other phenomena predicted by general relativity.

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