Wrong signs Ricci tensor components RW metric tric

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving the Friedmann equations from the Robertson-Walker (RW) metric with a (+,-,-,-) signature in General Relativity (GR). The user encountered an issue with the Ricci tensor components and Ricci scalar, obtaining opposite signs compared to expected values. The discrepancy is attributed to different sign conventions for the Ricci tensor, as noted in the referenced Wikipedia article and a blog post. The user is advised to verify the sign used for the energy-momentum stress tensor for a perfect fluid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR) principles
  • Familiarity with the Robertson-Walker (RW) metric
  • Knowledge of Ricci tensor and Ricci scalar definitions
  • Comprehension of energy-momentum stress tensor for perfect fluids
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the differences in sign conventions for the Ricci tensor in General Relativity
  • Study the derivation of the Friedmann equations from the RW metric
  • Examine the role of the energy-momentum stress tensor in Einstein's equations
  • Explore the implications of sign discrepancies in cosmological models
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those studying General Relativity and cosmology, as well as anyone working on deriving equations from the RW metric.

enomanus
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Hi, I am working through GR by myself and decided to derive the Friedmann equations from the RW metric w. ( +,-,-,-) signature. I succeeded except that I get right value but the opposite sign for each of the Ricci tensor components and the Ricci scalar e.g. For R00 I get +3R../R not -3R../R . I calmly ignored the wrong signs and substituted the opposite sign into the Einstein equations because 1. they worked and 2. it matched the values for G00 G11 given in textbooks. Obviously I am curious as to what I did wrong! Any ideas?? Thanks !
 
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