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The1337gamer
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The interval between two events ds^2 = -(cdt)^2 + x^2 + y^2 + z^2 is invariant in inertial frames. I was wondering, if this same interval still applies and is invariant in non-inertial frames?
The1337gamer said:The interval between two events ds^2 = -(cdt)^2 + x^2 + y^2 + z^2 is invariant in inertial frames. I was wondering, if this same interval still applies and is invariant in non-inertial frames?
Yes, except that you need to specify that you are talking about an inertial frame or orthonormal basis. The components of the metric expressed in e.g. a rotating frame will not be the same at all points in flat spacetime.The1337gamer said:So i think I am correct in saying the 4x4 matrix representing the metric is the same on all points in flat spacetime (minkowski space).
The spacetime interval in non-inertial frames is a measurement of the distance between two events in spacetime. It takes into account both the spatial distance and the time interval between the events, allowing for a more accurate understanding of the relationship between them.
In inertial frames, the spacetime interval is considered to be invariant, meaning it does not change regardless of the observer's perspective. However, in non-inertial frames, the spacetime interval can vary depending on the observer's acceleration and the curvature of spacetime.
Yes, in non-inertial frames, the spacetime interval can be negative. This indicates that the two events being measured are spacelike separated, meaning they cannot be causally connected. This is in contrast to timelike separated events, which have a positive spacetime interval and can be causally connected.
In general relativity, the concept of spacetime interval is described by the metric tensor, which takes into account the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. This allows for a more accurate measurement of the spacetime interval in both inertial and non-inertial frames.
The concept of spacetime interval in non-inertial frames is crucial for understanding and predicting the behavior of objects in gravitational fields, such as planets orbiting around a star. It is also important in the study of black holes and other extreme cosmic phenomena, as well as in the navigation of spacecraft and satellites in curved spacetime.