Local Geometry of General Relativity Theory

In summary, through analysis of the theory of general relativity, we have learned about manifolds and their similarities to Euclidean space. However, while manifolds may appear flat locally, solutions of GR's equations show that they are not truly flat. The curvature tensor is an independent object that does not depend on the chosen local coordinate system. This applies to surfaces such as spheres as well, as their curvature tensor can be non-zero while still being locally flat.
  • #1
mikeeey
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Hello guys .
Through all the analysis of theory of general relativity we used what so called Manifolds
Manifolds as we know are topological spaces that resemble ( look like) euclidean space locally at tiny portion of space
And an euclidean space is the pair ( real coordinate space R^n , dot product ),
And any euclidean space is flat space,
So manifolds locally are flat , do not have curvature locally
But solutions of GR's equations show the manifolds are not flat locally even they are locally look like euclidean space .
My question is that if the space is curved , Then the Curvature tensor does not depend on the chosen local real coordinate space ( system ) , is it ?!

Thanks .
 
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  • #2
mikeeey said:
But solutions of GR's equations show the manifolds are not flat locally even they are locally look like euclidean space.
Minkowski, not Euclidean - you can find coordinates in which the metric tensor is diagonal with components arbitrarily close to (-1,1,1,1) but not (1,1,1,1) which would be Euclidean.
The curvature tensor does not depend on the chosen local real coordinate space (system), does it?
All tensors are coordinate-independent objects - their value does not depend on the coordinate system. The values of the components of a tensor do change with the coordinate system, but that's just a result of using different coordinate systems to represent the same object - a physics problem may look very different (and be much easier or harder to solve) when it's written in one coordinate system instead of another, but it's still the same problem.
 
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  • #3
My question , let's enter to 2-manifolds( surfaces ) if the surface of the shpere(e.g.) is locally look like euclidean space ( made up from gluing small planes together )that mean its curvature locally flat ! , but its not in fact
 
  • #4
mikeeey said:
My question , let's enter to 2-manifolds( surfaces ) if the surface of the shpere(e.g.) is locally look like euclidean space ( made up from gluing small planes together )that mean its curvature locally flat ! , but its not in fact

That is correct. Somewhere in whatever text you're using you'll find a proper definition of what "locally flat" means. It will be something along the lines of: the difference between the metric tensor and the flat-space metric tensor can be made arbitrarily small by considering a small enough region.
 
  • #5
Last question , how does the curvature tensor of the surface of the sphere is not zero and still locally flat ?! Thanks
 
  • #6
mikeeey said:
Last question , how does the curvature tensor of the surface of the sphere is not zero and still locally flat ?

The curvature tensor is not zero, but a zero curvature tensor is not a requirement for local flatness. Local flatness means that a sufficiently small region can be approximated as flat, and the smaller you make the region the better the approximation is. Whatever text you're using should have a proper formal definition - keep looking until you find it and understand it.
 
  • #7
Thank you
 

FAQ: Local Geometry of General Relativity Theory

1. What is the local geometry of general relativity theory?

The local geometry in general relativity theory refers to the curvature of spacetime at any given point, as described by Einstein's field equations. It describes how matter and energy warp the fabric of spacetime, causing objects to follow curved paths and affecting the passage of time.

2. How is the local geometry of general relativity theory different from classical geometry?

The local geometry in general relativity theory is dynamic and dependent on the distribution of matter and energy in the universe, whereas classical geometry is based on fixed, Euclidean principles. In general relativity, the geometry of spacetime can change in response to the presence of massive objects, while in classical geometry, the rules and measurements remain constant.

3. Does the local geometry of general relativity theory affect the behavior of light?

Yes, the local geometry of general relativity theory plays a crucial role in determining the path of light in the universe. The curvature of spacetime can cause light to follow a curved path, as seen in gravitational lensing, where the light from distant objects is bent by the mass of a massive object in its path.

4. How does the local geometry of general relativity theory explain gravity?

The local geometry in general relativity theory explains gravity as a result of the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of matter and energy. Instead of a force between two objects, gravity is seen as a distortion of the fabric of spacetime, causing objects to follow curved paths towards each other.

5. Can the local geometry of general relativity theory be observed or measured?

Yes, the local geometry of general relativity theory can be observed and measured through various experiments and observations. For example, the bending of light by massive objects, the redshift of light in a strong gravitational field, and the precession of the orbit of Mercury can all be explained and predicted by the local geometry of general relativity theory.

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