Calculating Proper Time of "A" in Schwarzschild Geometry

In summary, calculating proper time in Schwarzschild Geometry involves using the Schwarzschild metric and solving for the proper time interval between two events. This is done by considering the curvature of spacetime caused by a massive object, such as a black hole, and using the equation for proper time in curved spacetime. The result is a measure of the proper time experienced by an observer at a certain distance from the object, taking into account the effects of gravity on the flow of time.
  • #1
Nilupa
18
0
"A" starts a journey from a massive body in Schwarzschild geometry in a radial path and returns back to the starting point while "B" stays at rest. Please explain how to find the proper time of "A".
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Using a (+---) signature, the proper time of a particle is given by:

[tex]\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{\mu \nu}\dot{x}^\mu \dot{x}^\nu}d\lambda [/tex]

where [itex]\dot{x}^\mu =dx^\mu /d\lambda[/itex] and [itex]\lambda[/itex] is some affine parameter. You could use, for example, [itex]\lambda=t[/itex] (t is Schwarzschild coordinate time) which would simplify the integral (in Schwarzschild coordinates) to:

[tex]\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{tt}+g_{rr}\dot{r}^2}dt[/tex]

because, in this problem, dΩ=0.
 
  • #4
elfmotat said:
Using a (+---) signature, the proper time of a particle is given by:

[tex]\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{\mu \nu}\dot{x}^\mu \dot{x}^\nu}d\lambda [/tex]

where [itex]\dot{x}^\mu =dx^\mu /d\lambda[/itex] and [itex]\lambda[/itex] is some affine parameter. You could use, for example, [itex]\lambda=t[/itex] (t is Schwarzschild coordinate time) which would simplify the integral (in Schwarzschild coordinates) to:

[tex]\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{tt}+g_{rr}\dot{r}^2}dt[/tex]

because, in this problem, dΩ=0.

Thank you..
What is dot{r}?
Is it
1/sqrt(1-(2GM/r(c^2)))
 
Last edited:
  • #6
For the local velocity(dr/dt) , can we derive an expression using time like geodesics in schwarzschild geomerty?
 
  • #7
\dot{r} is dr/dt where r and t are the space- and time-coordinates in Schwarzschild geometry; and I think the expression posted by elfmotat should answer your last question
 
Last edited:
  • #8
elfmotat said:
Using a (+---) signature, the proper time of a particle is given by:

[tex]\Delta \tau =\int \sqrt{g_{\mu \nu}\dot{x}^\mu \dot{x}^\nu}d\lambda [/tex]

where [itex]\dot{x}^\mu =dx^\mu /d\lambda[/itex] and [itex]\lambda[/itex] is some affine parameter.

Actually, I think that form for the proper time works for any parametrization, not just affine parametrizations. If the parameter is not affine, then the geodesic equation (resulting from maximizing the proper time) is much more complicated.
 
  • #9
I'm searching for a expression for the local velocity (dr/dt), for a twin who travels vertically from the surface of a massive body in the schwarzschild geometry using time like geodesics.
 
  • #10
dr/dt as a function of t *is* what you are looking for; now you can play around with arbitrary motion, not just geodesics.

One twin stays at r°=r(t=0)=const., the other one moves with r(t). Do you relly want to use geodesics, i.e. solutions of the e.o.m.? I don't think that this is realistic b/c in order to follow a geodesic the second twin must start at r° with non-zero velocity therefore the initial conditions for the two twins do not coincide.

But if you really want to do that you may find the geodesics in Schwarzsschild coordinates in many GR textbook.
 

FAQ: Calculating Proper Time of "A" in Schwarzschild Geometry

What is proper time in Schwarzschild geometry?

Proper time is the time measured by a clock that is stationary with respect to a given point in space. It is the time experienced by an observer who is at rest relative to the gravitational field.

2. How is proper time calculated in Schwarzschild geometry?

Proper time is calculated using the Schwarzschild metric, which is a mathematical formula that describes the curvature of spacetime around a massive object. The formula takes into account the mass and radius of the object, as well as the distance from the object. By plugging in these values, the proper time can be calculated.

3. What is the significance of proper time in Schwarzschild geometry?

Proper time is significant because it is a measure of the actual time experienced by an observer in the presence of a massive object. It is also used to calculate important physical quantities such as the time dilation effect and the gravitational redshift.

4. How does proper time differ from coordinate time in Schwarzschild geometry?

Proper time and coordinate time are two different ways of measuring time in Schwarzschild geometry. Proper time is the actual time experienced by an observer, while coordinate time is a mathematical construct used to describe the behavior of objects in a curved spacetime. Proper time is always measured in seconds, while coordinate time can have different units depending on the reference frame.

5. Can proper time be measured by an observer outside the event horizon in Schwarzschild geometry?

Yes, an observer outside the event horizon can measure proper time. However, as the observer gets closer to the event horizon, the effects of gravitational time dilation become more significant, causing the proper time to slow down. At the event horizon, proper time effectively stops, and an observer would need infinite time to reach the event horizon.

Back
Top