Conditions on Christoffel Symbols?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on deriving conditions for Christoffel symbols in the context of the geodesic equation, specifically for the case where time is parameterized by proper time and spatial coordinates are constant. It establishes that for the geodesic equation to hold, certain conditions on the Christoffel symbols must be satisfied, particularly that Γ^0~_{αβ} and Γ^0~_{00} = Γ^i~_{00} = 0. Participants express confusion about demonstrating that the metric takes the form ds^2 = -c^2dt^2 + g_{ij}dx^idx^j and how to apply the metric components to the Christoffel symbols. The conversation highlights the importance of substituting the correct metric components into the equations to verify the conditions. Overall, the thread emphasizes the relationship between the geodesic equation and the specific metric form in general relativity.
unscientific
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Homework Statement



Write down the geodesic equation. For ##x^0 = c\tau## and ##x^i = constant##, find the condition on the christoffel symbols ##\Gamma^\mu~_{\alpha \beta}##. Show these conditions always work when the metric is of the form ##ds^2 = -c^2dt^2 +g_{ij}dx^idx^j##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



The geodesic equation is:
\frac{d^2x^\mu}{d\tau^2} + \Gamma^\mu~_{\alpha \beta} \frac{dx^\alpha}{d\tau} \frac{dx^\beta}{d\tau}

Using the condition given
\Gamma^0~_{\alpha \beta} \frac{dx^\alpha}{d\tau} \frac{dx^\beta}{d\tau} = 0
\Gamma^0~_{00} = \Gamma^i~_{00} = 0

How do I show the metric is of the form ##ds^2 = -c^2dt^2 +g_{ij}dx^idx^j##?
 
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unscientific said:
How do I show the metric is of the form ##ds^2 = -c^2dt^2 +g_{ij}dx^idx^j##?
But is that the question? Aren't you simply being asked to show that such a metric does satisfy those conditions on ##\Gamma## ?
 
strangerep said:
But is that the question? Aren't you simply being asked to show that such a metric does satisfy those conditions on ##\Gamma## ?

If ##x^i = constant##, then wouldn't ##dx^i = 0##?
 
unscientific said:
If ##x^i = constant##, then wouldn't ##dx^i = 0##?
Yes, but I'm puzzled why you replied to my question this way. Just write the formula for the Chrisoffel symbols, and substitute the metric components that appear in the given line element ##ds^2##.
 
strangerep said:
Yes, but I'm puzzled why you replied to my question this way. Just write the formula for the Chrisoffel symbols, and substitute the metric components that appear in the given line element ##ds^2##.

What do you mean by "substitute the metric components that appear in the given line element ##ds^2##"?
 
unscientific said:
What do you mean by "substitute the metric components that appear in the given line element ##ds^2##"?
Which part of my sentence are you having trouble with? The word "substitute"? The word "metric"? The concept of metric components appearing a line element?

If the last one, then read this Wiki page.
 
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