Uncharged Particle near Charged Mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of an uncharged particle in the presence of charged and uncharged masses, specifically contrasting the Schwarzschild metric and the Reissner-Nordström metric. It is established that an uncharged particle follows a geodesic trajectory in both scenarios without experiencing any electromagnetic force. The differing geometries of space-time do not imply an electromagnetic interaction; rather, they reflect the gravitational field variations due to energy in the electromagnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Schwarzschild metric
  • Familiarity with the Reissner-Nordström metric
  • Knowledge of geodesic motion in general relativity
  • Basic concepts of electromagnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Schwarzschild metric in gravitational physics
  • Explore the Reissner-Nordström metric and its applications in charged black hole scenarios
  • Research geodesic equations in general relativity
  • Investigate the relationship between electromagnetic fields and spacetime curvature
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of general relativity, and anyone interested in the interplay between gravity and electromagnetic fields.

DarthVader
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I know that the curvature of space-time around an uncharged mass is different from that around a charged mass (specifically, one situation is characterized by the Schwarzschild metric and the other by the Reissner-Nordstorm metric). But consider an uncharged particle in each situation. Wouldn't this imply that this particle follows a different geodesic trajectory depending on whether the source is charged or uncharged? So wouldn't this mean that there is an electromagnetic force on this particle even though it is uncharged?
 
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DarthVader said:
So wouldn't this mean that there is an electromagnetic force on this particle even though it is uncharged?

No. There is no force on the uncharged particle, it is following a geodesic with no proper acceleration in both cases. Do not mistake the different geometry of space-time in the two cases for an electromagnetic force.
 
It means the gravitational field (i.e. the geometry of spacetime) is different due to the energy stored in the EM field. It doesn't mean that there is any electromagnetic interaction between the two bodies.
 

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