Einstein Hilbert action

In summary, the Einstein-Hilbert action is a mathematical formulation used in the theory of general relativity to describe the curvature of spacetime caused by matter and energy. It states that the total curvature of spacetime is equal to the sum of the Ricci curvature and the scalar curvature, with the latter being proportional to the stress-energy tensor. This action is crucial in understanding the dynamics of gravity and has been instrumental in many significant discoveries and developments in modern physics.
  • #1
Das apashanka
My question is why is the lagrangian density term in the action is equal to ricci scaler for gravitational field
 
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  • #2
See e.g. Carroll's notes: it's the simplest scalar which contains up to second order derivatives of the metric. But maybe 'why' is the wrong question. We don't know 'why'. But it works.
 
  • #3
It might be mentioned in this context that many theories of modified gravity instead put a general function ##f(R)##. Of course, to recover GR you need ##f(R) \simeq R## to leading approximation.
 

Related to Einstein Hilbert action

1. What is the Einstein-Hilbert action?

The Einstein-Hilbert action, also known as the Einstein action or Hilbert action, is a mathematical expression used in Einstein's theory of general relativity to describe the gravitational field and its interactions with matter. It is a fundamental equation that summarizes the relationship between space-time curvature and the distribution of matter and energy.

2. How is the Einstein-Hilbert action derived?

The Einstein-Hilbert action is derived from the Einstein field equations, which relate the curvature of space-time to the energy and momentum of matter. It is derived using the principle of least action, which states that the physical laws governing a system can be described by minimizing the action, a mathematical quantity that describes the dynamics of the system.

3. What is the significance of the Einstein-Hilbert action?

The Einstein-Hilbert action is significant because it provides a mathematical framework for understanding the theory of general relativity. It allows for the calculation of the curvature of space-time and the prediction of the behavior of objects in the presence of a gravitational field. It has been extensively tested and is considered one of the most successful theories in physics.

4. How does the Einstein-Hilbert action differ from other theories of gravity?

The Einstein-Hilbert action differs from other theories of gravity in that it is a geometric theory, meaning it describes gravity as the curvature of space-time rather than a force between objects. This is a fundamental difference from Newton's theory of gravity, which describes gravity as a force of attraction between objects.

5. How does the Einstein-Hilbert action relate to the cosmological constant?

The Einstein-Hilbert action includes a term for the cosmological constant, a parameter that represents the energy density of the vacuum of space. This term was initially introduced by Einstein to maintain a static universe, but it is now used to explain the observed acceleration of the expansion of the universe. It plays a crucial role in modern cosmology and is a subject of ongoing research and debate in the scientific community.

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