Diffeomorphism Invariance in Einstein's Gravitation Theory Explained

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This is why we require the matter action to be diffeomorphism invariant, which leads to the condition of setting \delta S_{M} to be zero.In summary, the Hilbert Action and the matter action of the Einstein's Gravitation theory are diffeomorphism invariant because we assume that our physical laws should not depend on the chosen coordinate system. This is why the action, which is connected to these laws, also needs to be invariant. Therefore, we set \delta S_{M} to be zero as a condition for the matter action to be diffeomorphism invariant.
  • #1
eVulcanon
Why is the Hilbert Action and the matter actionof the Einstein's Gravitation theory diffeomorphism invariant, as Wald said in his textbook General Relativity on Page 456 and Sean Carroll said in his Spacetime and Geometry on Page 435.

In other words,why do we have to set
[tex]\delta S_{M}[/tex] to be zero?

Thx!
 
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  • #2
Nobody knows the reason?
 
  • #3
Because it is a scalar.
 
  • #4
samalkhaiat said:
Because it is a scalar.

Is any scalar diffeomorphism invariant?
 
  • #5
Diffeomorphism invariance (or better: covariance) is the statement that fundamental laws do not depend on the coordinate system chosen. This is, in some sense, quite natural to assume.

By this assumption it also very reasonable to use a mathematical language in which such a co-/invariance is manifest. This is why General Relativity is completely based upon differential geometry. Physical quantities are described by tensors, which are, in some sense by definition, diffeormophism invariant.

A scalar is just a special version of a tensor (the simplest one). Since we assume that our physical laws are diffeormorphism invariant, and all these laws are in one way or the other connected to the action, the action itself better be invariant as well.
 

1. What is diffeomorphism invariance in Einstein's gravitation theory?

Diffeomorphism invariance is a fundamental principle in Einstein's theory of general relativity, which states that the physical laws governing the behavior of matter and energy are independent of the coordinate system used to describe them. In other words, the laws of physics should remain unchanged even if we change the way we measure space and time.

2. Why is diffeomorphism invariance important in Einstein's theory?

Diffeomorphism invariance is important because it allows the theory of general relativity to be consistent with the principles of relativity and equivalence, which are the foundations of modern physics. Without this invariance, the theory would not be able to accurately describe the behavior of matter and energy in the presence of strong gravitational fields.

3. How does diffeomorphism invariance affect the equations of general relativity?

Diffeomorphism invariance is incorporated into the equations of general relativity through the use of tensor calculus, which allows for the mathematical description of physical quantities that are independent of the coordinate system. This ensures that the equations remain unchanged regardless of the specific coordinate system used to describe the spacetime curvature.

4. Can diffeomorphism invariance be tested experimentally?

While diffeomorphism invariance cannot be directly tested, it has been confirmed through numerous experiments and observations that have validated the predictions of general relativity. For example, the bending of light by massive objects, the advance of Mercury's perihelion, and the gravitational redshift all support the principle of diffeomorphism invariance.

5. Are there any challenges to the principle of diffeomorphism invariance?

While diffeomorphism invariance has been confirmed by experimental evidence, there are still ongoing debates and discussions about its implications for other aspects of physics, such as the relationship between general relativity and quantum mechanics. Some theories, such as loop quantum gravity, propose modifications to the principle of diffeomorphism invariance in order to reconcile these two fundamental theories.

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