Applying variational principles to that metric describes a black hole

In summary, the first metric shown is the Schwarzschild exterior of a radially symmetric source with a singularity at r=0 and a horizon at r=2GM/c^2. It is similar to the equation created by Miguel Alcubierre for a hypothetical warp-drive. However, the "s" in the superscript of "v and r" should be subscripts. This metric describes a black hole and can also represent the vacuum region outside a regular non-rotating uncharged non-singular massive body.
  • #1
physx_420
33
0
ds[tex]^{2}[/tex] = -c[tex]^{2}[/tex](1 - [tex]\frac{2Gm}{c^{2}r}[/tex])dt[tex]^{2}[/tex] + (1 - [tex]\frac{2Gm}{c^{2}r}[/tex])[tex]^{-1}[/tex] dr[tex]^{2}[/tex] + r[tex]^{2}[/tex]d[tex]\Omega[/tex][tex]^{2}[/tex]

This equation was posted on a different website and the O.P said:"Applying variational principles to that metric describes a black hole!"

I was wondering if anyone could explain it a little better. Also, to anyone knows who Miguel Alcubierre is (the guy that created an equation for a hypothetical warp-drive); the above equation shows some similarities to his:

ds[tex]^{2}[/tex] = -dt[tex]^{2}[/tex] + (dx - v[tex]_{s}[/tex]f(r[tex]_{s}[/tex]dt)[tex]^{2}[/tex] + dy[tex]^{2}[/tex] + dz[tex]^{2}[/tex]

Does this have any implications, be they big or small? Anyone have any inputs on this?
 
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  • #2
in M. Alcubierre's equation the "s" in the superscript of "v and r" are supposed to be subscripts, I just couldn't get them to work. btw
 
  • #3
physx_420 said:
This equation was posted on a different website and the O.P said:"Applying variational principles to that metric describes a black hole!"

Unless I'm missing something, you can cut the part about "Applying variational principles to..." The correct statement would simply be: "[T]hat metric describes a black hole!" This is simply the standard form of the Schwarzschild metric, as far as I can see.
 
  • #4
The first metric you show is the Scwarzschild exterior of a radially symmetric source with a singularty at r=0 and a horizon at r=2GM/c^2.

Look up 'Scwarzschild metric' on Wiki.

[Ben - snap]
 
  • #5
bcrowell said:
Unless I'm missing something, you can cut the part about "Applying variational principles to..." The correct statement would simply be: "[T]hat metric describes a black hole!" This is simply the standard form of the Schwarzschild metric, as far as I can see.

I think we should acknowledge that the standard Schwarzschild metric can also represent the vacuum region outside a regular non-rotating uncharged non-singular massive body that is not a black hole.
 
  • #6
Good point, kev.

Lut, what does "[Ben - snap]" mean?
 

FAQ: Applying variational principles to that metric describes a black hole

What are variational principles?

Variational principles are mathematical principles that are used to find the most optimal solution to a problem. They involve finding the minimum or maximum value of a mathematical function, also known as the "action", by varying the parameters of the function.

How are variational principles applied to describe a black hole?

In the context of black holes, variational principles are used to describe the curvature of space-time around the black hole. This is done by applying the variational principle to the Einstein field equations, which describe the relationship between the curvature of space-time and the distribution of matter and energy.

What is the metric that describes a black hole?

The metric that describes a black hole is the Schwarzschild metric, which is a solution to the Einstein field equations. It describes the curvature of space-time around a non-rotating, spherically symmetric black hole.

How does the Schwarzschild metric relate to variational principles?

The Schwarzschild metric can be derived from the variational principle known as the "principle of least action". This principle states that the action, or the integral of the Lagrangian (a function that describes the dynamics of a system), is minimized when the equations of motion are satisfied. In the case of the Schwarzschild metric, the equations of motion are the Einstein field equations.

Why is it important to apply variational principles to describe black holes?

Applying variational principles allows us to understand the dynamics and properties of black holes in a mathematical and rigorous way. It also allows us to make predictions and test the validity of our theories about black holes. Additionally, variational principles have played a crucial role in the development of general relativity and our understanding of gravity.

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