Spacetime diagram for black hole

In summary, the conversation discusses a 2D spacetime with a null geodesic equation and a spacetime diagram showing the path of light. It also mentions that for a massive object, the value of x can increase or decrease based on the value of v, and that a vertical line through the origin represents an infinite slope. The next part of the question remains unanswered.
  • #1
Rococo
67
9

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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  • #2
Rococo: Provide the URL for the actual PNG to get it to show up as an image:
EgjKZSM.png
 

What is a spacetime diagram for a black hole?

A spacetime diagram for a black hole is a visual representation of the curvature of spacetime caused by the massive object, the black hole. It shows how the fabric of spacetime is distorted and how it can affect the motion of objects around the black hole.

How is a spacetime diagram for a black hole different from a regular spacetime diagram?

A spacetime diagram for a black hole is different from a regular spacetime diagram because it takes into account the extreme gravitational pull of the black hole, which can cause the fabric of spacetime to warp significantly. This distortion is not present in a regular spacetime diagram.

What is the significance of the event horizon in a spacetime diagram for a black hole?

The event horizon is the point of no return for anything that enters a black hole. In a spacetime diagram, it is represented by the boundary where the curvature of spacetime becomes infinite. It marks the point where the gravitational pull of the black hole becomes too strong for anything, including light, to escape.

Can anything escape from a black hole in a spacetime diagram?

In a spacetime diagram, once an object crosses the event horizon and enters the black hole, it is impossible for it to escape. However, in theory, some particles can escape from the black hole through Hawking radiation, but this is a very slow and rare process.

How does the shape of a spacetime diagram for a black hole change with the mass of the black hole?

The shape of a spacetime diagram for a black hole is directly related to the mass of the black hole. The larger the mass of the black hole, the more curved and distorted the spacetime diagram will be. As the mass of the black hole increases, the event horizon also expands and the region of infinite curvature becomes larger.

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