Volume of a sphere in Schwarzschild metric

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The volume of a sphere in the Schwarzschild metric is calculated using the formula for differential volume, where the metric components lead to an integral that results in an imaginary volume when the radius ##r## is less than the Schwarzschild radius ##r_s##. The integral for volume, expressed as ##V = \int dV##, fails due to the singularity at ##r = r_s##. The discussion highlights the necessity of using Kruskal coordinates to properly address the volume calculation in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Schwarzschild metric in general relativity
  • Familiarity with differential geometry and volume elements
  • Knowledge of singularities in spacetime metrics
  • Basic grasp of Kruskal coordinates and their application
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of volume elements in curved spacetime
  • Learn about Kruskal coordinates and their significance in general relativity
  • Investigate the implications of singularities in the Schwarzschild metric
  • Explore the mathematical techniques for integrating in non-Euclidean geometries
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on general relativity, differential geometry, and the study of black holes.

tb87
Messages
8
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Calculate the volume of a sphere of radius ##r## in the Schwarzschild metric.

Homework Equations


I know that
\begin{align}
dV&=\sqrt{g_\text{11}g_\text{22}g_\text{33}}dx^1dx^2dx^3 \nonumber \\
&= \sqrt{(1-r_s/r)^{-1}(r^2)(r^2\sin^2\theta)} \nonumber
\end{align}
in the Schwarzschild metric.

The Attempt at a Solution


Well the integral I get for the sphere's volume,
\begin{equation}
V = \int dV \nonumber
\end{equation}
gives an imaginary volume! What's going on? Of course the volume will be imaginary because ##dV## is imaginary when ##r<r_s## (plus, there's a singularity at ##r=r_s##, which complicates things if we want to integrate up to the Schwarzschild radius). There's obviously something I'm missing here, but I have no idea what it is.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Update : e-mailed my teacher and there's something we haven't time to see in class (Kruskal coordinates) that was required for this problem. -_-
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K