Understanding Schutz's Geodesic Deviation Eq. 6.84

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the geodesic deviation equation as presented in Schutz's text, specifically focusing on equation 6.84 and its relationship to equation 6.48. Participants are exploring the mathematical details and implications of these equations within the context of differential geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the transition from equation 6.48 to equation 6.84, particularly the last equality involving the connection coefficients.
  • Another participant reiterates the form of the equation as stated in the book, providing a mathematical expression that includes the derivative and connection terms.
  • A third participant challenges the accuracy of the equation as presented, suggesting that there may be a misprint in their version of the book.
  • A later reply clarifies that the relevant equation equivalent to the one discussed is actually equation 6.85, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the sequence of equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the correctness of the equations or the presence of a misprint, indicating ongoing disagreement and confusion regarding the material.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific equations and their interpretations that may depend on the version of the text being used, which could lead to discrepancies in understanding. The discussion highlights the complexity of the mathematical relationships involved.

patrik1982
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I have some problem understanding the section on "Geodesic deviation" in schutz, more specifically I'm confused by eq. 6.84:

Eq 6.84 reads (ξ is the 'connecting vector' from one geodesic to Another, V is the tangent vector):

We can use (6.48) to obtain
VVξα = ∇V(∇Vξα) = (d/dλ)(∇Vξα) = Γαβ0(∇Vξα)

(Eq 6.48 gives the second equality, but I fail to see why the last equality is true)​
Eq 6.48 says the following:
UβVα = 0 ⇔ (d/dλ)V = ∇UV = 0
(U is tangent to the curve, λ is the parameter along it)Can someone please help me and explain what's going on?
 
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In the book it is

##\nabla_V(\nabla_V\xi^\alpha)=\frac{d}{d\lambda}(\nabla_V\xi^\alpha)+\Gamma^\alpha_{\beta 0}(\nabla_V\xi^\beta)##
 
martinbn said:
In the book it is

##\nabla_V(\nabla_V\xi^\alpha)=\frac{d}{d\lambda}(\nabla_V\xi^\alpha)+\Gamma^\alpha_{\beta 0}(\nabla_V\xi^\beta)##
Nope. At least not in my book. (Photo attached)
So, this is a misprint then?
 

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patrik1982 said:
Nope. At least not in my book. (Photo attached)
So, this is a misprint then?
No, the relaevant equation, equivalent to the one martinbn wrote, is the next one:6.85
 

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