Spacetime diagram for black hole

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on constructing a 2D spacetime diagram based on the metric defined by the equations ds² = g_{tt}dt² + g_{tx}(dtdx + dxdt), where g_{tt} = -x and g_{tx} = 3. Participants derived the null geodesic condition, resulting in the equation dt/dx = ±6/x, leading to the conclusion that the spacetime diagram includes a vertical line through the origin for x = 0. Additionally, it was established that for a massive object, when x is positive, x can vary with increasing velocity, while for negative x, it can only decrease.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity concepts, particularly spacetime metrics.
  • Familiarity with null geodesics and their mathematical representation.
  • Knowledge of differential equations and their applications in physics.
  • Basic graphing skills to visualize spacetime diagrams.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Schwarzschild metric in black hole physics.
  • Learn about the properties of null geodesics in curved spacetime.
  • Explore the relationship between velocity and spacetime coordinates in general relativity.
  • Investigate the mathematical techniques for solving differential equations in physics contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying general relativity, as well as researchers and educators looking to deepen their understanding of spacetime diagrams and black hole dynamics.

Rococo
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Homework Statement


Consider a 2D spacetime with:
## ds^2 = g_{tt}dt^2 + g_{tx}(dtdx + dxdt)##
where: ##g_{tt} = -x## and ##g_{tx}=3##

Draw a spacetime diagram showing the null geodesics, including one which passes through the origin. Then show that for a massive object, when ##x## is positive, ##x## can increase or decrease as ##v## increases, but if ##x## is negative, it may only decrease.

Homework Equations


Null geodesic: ##ds^2 = 0##

The Attempt at a Solution


From the above equation, we get for a null geodesic:
## 0 = g_{tt}dt^2 + g_{tx}(dtdx + dxdt)##
## x dt^2 = 3(dtdx + dxdt)##
## x dt^2 = 6dtdx## (since dt can be positive or negative)
## x dt = \pm 6dx##
## dt/dx = \pm 6/x##
## t = \pm 6 ln(x)##

and for x=0, we have an infinite slope, i.e. a straight vertical line through the origin. I'm not sure if this is right but it would give a spacetime diagram like this:

http://imgur.com/EgjKZSM
http://imgur.com/EgjKZSM

Where the null geodesics represent the path light will take. But even if this diagram is right, I'm not sure how to show the next part of the question regarding the massive object.
 
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Rococo: Provide the URL for the actual PNG to get it to show up as an image:
EgjKZSM.png
 

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