Understanding Gravitational Time Dilation in Classical Mechanics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the self-study of Chow's Classical Mechanics, focusing on understanding gravitational time dilation and related mathematical concepts. The participant is grappling with the application of the chain rule in vector calculus, particularly in the context of cylindrical coordinates, questioning the dimensionality of the coordinate system. They express a desire to solidify their understanding of classical mechanics as a foundation for studying special relativity (SR) and general relativity (GR). A formula for gravitational time dilation is proposed, which the participant suspects may not be entirely correct but is seeking clarification on its validity. The conversation highlights the importance of clear notation and foundational knowledge in progressing to more complex theories in physics.
sirius0
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Homework Statement


I am self studying Chow's Classical Mechanics. I have realized that I am at my best if I leave no stone unturned


Homework Equations


\hat e_t . \hat e_t = 1
Understood

d(\hat e_t. \hat e_t)/dt =0
Also understood

But 2\hat e_t .d\hat e_t/dt=0
Not understood (tex was first time too)
 
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Hi sirius0! :smile:

(hmm … tex not bad :smile: … but you could use use \frac{}{} and \cdot :wink:)

\frac{d}{dt}(\hat e_t. \hat e_t)\ =\ 0

Use the chain rule, then a.b = b.a:

\hat e_t \cdot\frac{d\hat e_t}{dt}\ +\ \frac{d\hat e_t}{dt} \cdot\hat e_t\ =\ 0 :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi sirius0! :smile:

(hmm … tex not bad :smile: … but you could use use \frac{}{} and \cdot :wink:)

\frac{d}{dt}(\hat e_t. \hat e_t)\ =\ 0

Use the chain rule, then a.b = b.a:

\hat e_t \cdot\frac{d\hat e_t}{dt}\ +\ \frac{d\hat e_t}{dt} \cdot\hat e_t\ =\ 0 :smile:

Oh thanks a good clue, explains where the two comes from! Pathetically I have to have a quick re-visit to the chain rule but at least I remember what it looked like and I think I can mop it up from here. Good tip on the tex too.
 
I am now up to pp 20 of Chow's book. I am puzzled as the text states for cylindrical coordinates that <br /> \hat r =p\hat e_p +z\hat e_z<br />. But I thought that any 3D coordinate system needed three dimensions. Should the above have been <br /> \hat r =p\hat e_p +z\hat e_z+\phi e_<br />.
 
sirius0 said:
I am now up to pp 20 of Chow's book. I am puzzled as the text states for cylindrical coordinates that <br /> \hat r =p\hat e_p +z\hat e_z<br />. But I thought that any 3D coordinate system needed three dimensions. Should the above have been <br /> \hat r =p\hat e_p +z\hat e_z+\phi e_<br />.

Hi sirius0! :smile:

I don't have the same book, but I assume that \hat{\bold{e}}_p is two-dimensional and variable (just as \hat{\bold{r}} is three-dimensional :wink:), and that only \hat{\bold{e}}_z is fixed. :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi sirius0! :smile:

I don't have the same book, but I assume that \hat{\bold{e}}_p is two-dimensional and variable (just as \hat{\bold{r}} is three-dimensional :wink:), and that only \hat{\bold{e}}_z is fixed. :smile:
Understood progressing well for now...
Thank you.
 


The whole reason for my self study is in order to relearn SR and learn GR in an initial manner. The notation conventions and clear thinking were an issue so I turned back to classical mechanics. I have gotten distracted from this agenda on another forum and have been looking again at SR. I have a long path ahead WRT GR, tensors Riemann groups etc.
But as a result of the distraction I made an assumption regarding time dilation and gravity.
This is what I came up with using SR. Is it familiar or even right I wonder? Am I bordering on to GR via SR?

\Delta t \sqrt{\frac{GM}{rC^2}+1} = \Delta t&#039;
 
Just had a look http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_time_dilation" . There is something of a resemblance but I don't appear to be right. However there must be something to be learned from this.
 
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