Searching for Ricci Scalar in Schwarzschild Metric

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Ricci scalar for the Schwarzschild metric is zero, as it represents a vacuum solution in General Relativity (GR). This conclusion is derived from the Einstein tensor being zero, as indicated by the equation G_{\mu\nu} = 8 \pi T_{\mu\nu}. The relationship between the Ricci scalar and the energy-momentum tensor shows that when T_{\mu\nu} equals zero, the Ricci scalar R is also zero. Resources such as GRTensorJ and the outline provided by John Baez can assist in understanding the properties of various metrics in GR.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR) concepts
  • Familiarity with the Einstein field equations
  • Knowledge of tensor calculus
  • Basic understanding of the Schwarzschild solution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Ricci scalar from the Riemann tensor
  • Explore GRTensorJ for metric properties and calculations
  • Review John Baez's outline on General Relativity
  • Investigate vacuum solutions in General Relativity
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on General Relativity and gravitational metrics, will benefit from this discussion.

touqra
Messages
284
Reaction score
0
I searched the net for the Ricci scalar for the Schwarzschild metric but in vain. Can anyone tell me what's the Ricci scalar?
Are there any standard list or tables that records down the properties of any metric for GR?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Because it's a vacuum solution, the Ricci Scalar for the Schwarzschild metric is zero.

It's immediately obvious that the Einstein tensor is zero from G_{\mu\nu} = 8 \pi T_{\mu\nu}, and it can be shown that the Ricci scalar must also be zero.

The simplest way to illustrate is to look at

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/gr/outline2.html

part 13 in the section that says

But what does it mean? To see this, let's do some "index gymnastics". Stand with your feet slightly apart and hands loosely at your sides. Now, assume the Einstein equation!

to see the derivation of R = -T^{\mu}{}_{\nu}, and then it's immediately obvious that when T_{\mu\nu}=0 (a vacuum solution), R is also zero.

GRTensorJ-Books at http://grtensor.org/teaching/ has a list of various metrics and the various tensors and scalars from textbooks, but it actually calculates them and to calculate them it needs a non-free program, Maple.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
touqra said:
I searched the net for the Ricci scalar for the Schwarzschild metric but in vain. Can anyone tell me what's the Ricci scalar?
Are there any standard list or tables that records down the properties of any metric for GR?

The Ricci scalar is the contraction of the Ricci tensor which is a contraction of the Riemann tensor. It appears in the Einstein field equations, one of the solutions of which is the Schwartzschild Solution.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K