Schwarzschild Extension Coordinate Transformation Algebra

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transformation of the Schwarzschild metric into different coordinate systems, specifically focusing on the algebra involved in deriving the metrics in terms of the new coordinates \(u\) and \(v\). Participants explore the implications of sign conventions and the resulting expressions for the metric, examining potential discrepancies with established sources.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the Schwarzschild metric and describes their transformation to coordinates \(u\) and \(v\), raising a question about a sign discrepancy in the resulting metric.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the absence of the metrics in the initial post, prompting the original poster to provide the metrics derived from their transformations.
  • Participants discuss the correctness of the derived metrics, with one suggesting that the sign issue may stem from differing conventions used in the literature, specifically referencing Carroll's equations.
  • There is mention of a potential typo in Carroll's work regarding the sign in the metric, with one participant noting that the physical interpretation of the signs aligns with expectations for timelike intervals.
  • Another participant compares the definitions of \(u\) and \(v\) in different sources, indicating that variations in definitions could lead to sign changes in the metrics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the sign conventions used in the metric transformations, with some believing that the original poster's signs are correct while others suggest they may differ from established conventions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of the sign discrepancy.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that both sources referenced maintain the same metric signature of (-,+,+,+), but differences in definitions of the coordinates could lead to confusion regarding signs in the derived metrics.

binbagsss
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So I have the metric as ##ds^{2}=-(1-\frac{2m}{r})dt^{2}+(1-\frac{2m}{r})^{-1}dr^{2}+r^{2}d\Omega^{2}##*

I have transformed to coordinate system ##u,r,\phi, \theta ##, where ##u=t-r*##(2),
where ##r*=r+2m In(\frac{r}{2m}-1)##
and to the coordinate system ##v,r,\phi, \theta ##,
where ##v=t+r*##,(1)

From (1) and (2) I see that ##dt=dv-\frac{dr}{(1-\frac{2m}{r})}## and ##dt=du+\frac{dr}{(1-\frac{2m}{r})}##
(On a side note, what is the proper name of these types of derivative expressions?)

Substituting these into * in turn it is easy enough to get the metrics:(which I believe are correct?).

Question:

I am now want to get the metric using both \(v\) and \(u\) in favour of \(r\) and \(t\).
To do this I make use of:
##\frac{1}{2}(v-u)=r+2M In(\frac{r}{2M}-1) ##
therefore ##\frac{1}{2}(dv-du)(1-\frac{2m}{r})=dr##

and I sub this into either (1) or (2),
say (1) , I then get:
##ds^{2}= - (1-\frac{2M}{r}) dudv+r^{2}d\Omega^{2}##

And the first term is a minus sign out.
(in accord to source sean m carroll lecture notes on general relativity eq.7.73.)

I have no idea why I am a sign out,

Thanks,your assistance is greatly appreciated !
 
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Bump.
 
binbagsss said:
Substituting these into * in turn it is easy enough to get the metrics:(which I believe are correct?).

I don't see any metrics here. Did you leave them out by mistake?
 
Apologies!
metrics are:
##ds^{2}=-(1-\frac{2M}{r})dv^{2}+2dvdr + r^{2}(d\theta^{2}+sin^{2}\theta d\phi^{2} ##
##ds^{2}=-(1-\frac{2M}{r})du^{2}-2dudr + r^{2}(d\theta^{2}+sin^{2}\theta d\phi^{2} ##
 
binbagsss said:
metrics are

Ok, those look correct.

binbagsss said:
I have no idea why I am a sign out

I don't think you are. I think you are just using an opposite sign convention from Carroll for the definition of ##r## in terms of ##u## and ##v##. If you look at Carroll's equation 7.74, it has ##u - v## where you have ##v - u##. That's why he has an opposite sign in 7.73 from yours.

(Carroll also has a factor of 1/2 in front of 7.73, whereas you do not. That's because he also scales ##u## and ##v## differently than you are. None of these differences affect the physics; they're just different conventions for the math.)
 
PeterDonis said:
Ok, those look correct.
I don't think you are. I think you are just using an opposite sign convention from Carroll for the definition of ##r## in terms of ##u## and ##v##. If you look at Carroll's equation 7.74, it has ##u - v## where you have ##v - u##. That's why he has an opposite sign in 7.73 from yours.

(Carroll also has a factor of 1/2 in front of 7.73, whereas you do not. That's because he also scales ##u## and ##v## differently than you are. None of these differences affect the physics; they're just different conventions for the math.)

I used a different notation than Carrol ## u bar=v##.
I cancelld the ##1/2## using ##dudv=dvdu##
 
binbagsss said:
I used a different notation than Carrol ubar=v u bar=v.
I cancelld the 1/21/2 using dudv=dvdu

Hm, yes, I see. So much for that theory. :oops:

I'm not sure what's going on. I get the minus sign in the ##du dv## term the same way you do. Physically, the minus sign makes sense: a line element with ##du## and ##dv## both the same sign should lie inside one of the light cones (future for ##du## and ##dv## both positive, past for ##du## and ##dv## both negative), and so should be timelike and have a negative squared length. Unless Carroll is using a different sign convention somewhere else that I haven't spotted, the only other thing I can think of is that his equation 7.73 has a typo.
 
Looking at the next metric, equation 7.77, it has a negative sign. (And I believe this to be corect as it agrees with http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/hsr1000/black_holes_lectures_2014.pdf , page 33, eq 2.35). Looking at how u' and v' are defined as functions of u,v, I am getting a sign change when going from the metric in u,v to u'v'. (whilst the cambridge notes, equation 2.32, defines u' with a neg sign compared to Carroll, either definition gives arise to a neg sign) and so it appears that there should be a sign change and so equation 7.73 in carroll should have a positive.

Hopefully with this information someone may find it easier to spot why I am getting a negative - been llooking for a long time.

Thanks

(Cambridge ntes and Carroll have defined their u and v, u' and v' the other way around).
 
Last edited:
Sorry just to add both sources are using the same metric signature - (-,+,+,+)).
 

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