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{{Short description|Field-equations in general relativity}}
{{General relativity|cTopic=Equations}}
{{Redirect|Einstein equation|the equation <math>E = mc^2</math>|Mass–energy equivalence}}
The '''Einstein field equations''' ('''EFE''') or '''Einstein's equations''' are a set of 10 ]s in ] ] which describe the ] of ] as a result of ] being ] by ] and ].<ref name = ein>{{cite journal| last = Einstein| first = Albert| authorlink = | title = The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity| journal = ]| volume = | issue = | pages = | year = 1916| publisher = | url = http://www.alberteinstein.info/gallery/gtext3.html | doi = 10.1002/andp.19163540702| format = ] | id = | accessdate = |bibcode = 1916AnP...354..769E }}</ref> First published by Einstein in 1915<ref name=Ein1915>{{cite journal|last=Einstein| first=Albert| authorlink = Albert Einstein| date=November 25, 1915| title=Die Feldgleichungen der Gravitation| journal=Sitzungsberichte der Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin| pages=844–847 | url=http://nausikaa2.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/cgi-bin/toc/toc.x.cgi?dir=6E3MAXK4&step=thumb | accessdate=2006-09-12}}</ref> as a ], the EFE equate spacetime ] (expressed by the ]) with the energy and ] within that spacetime (expressed by the ]).
{{Use American English|date=January 2019}}
{{General relativity sidebar |equations}}
In the ], the '''Einstein field equations''' ('''EFE'''; also known as '''Einstein's equations''') relate the geometry of ] to the distribution of ] within it.<ref name="ein">{{cite journal |last=Einstein |first=Albert |title=The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity |journal=] |volume=354 |issue=7 |pages=769 |year=1916 |url=http://www.alberteinstein.info/gallery/science.html |doi=10.1002/andp.19163540702 |format=] |bibcode=1916AnP...354..769E |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206225139/http://www.alberteinstein.info/gallery/gtext3.html |archive-date=2012-02-06}}</ref>


The equations were published by ] in 1915 in the form of a ]<ref name=Ein1915>{{cite journal |last=Einstein |first=Albert |author-link=Albert Einstein |date=November 25, 1915 |title=Die Feldgleichungen der Gravitation |journal=Sitzungsberichte der Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin |pages=844–847 |url=http://echo.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/ECHOdocuView?url=/permanent/echo/einstein/sitzungsberichte/6E3MAXK4/index.meta |access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref> which related the local ''{{vanchor|spacetime ]|SPACETIME_CURVATURE}}'' (expressed by the ]) with the local energy, ] and stress within that spacetime (expressed by the ]).{{sfnp|Misner|Thorne|Wheeler|1973|p=916 }}
Similar to the way that ]s are determined using ]s and ] via ], the EFE are used to determine the ] geometry resulting from the presence of mass-energy and linear momentum, that is, they determine the ] of spacetime for a given arrangement of stress–energy in the spacetime. The relationship between the metric tensor and the Einstein tensor allows the EFE to be written as a set of non-linear ]s when used in this way. The solutions of the EFE are the components of the metric tensor. The ]l trajectories of particles and radiation (]) in the resulting geometry are then calculated using the ].


Analogously to the way that ]s are related to the distribution of ]s and ]s via ], the EFE relate the ] to the distribution of mass–energy, momentum and stress, that is, they determine the ] of spacetime for a given arrangement of stress–energy–momentum in the spacetime. The relationship between the metric tensor and the Einstein tensor allows the EFE to be written as a set of nonlinear ]s when used in this way. The solutions of the EFE are the components of the metric tensor. The ]l trajectories of particles and radiation (]) in the resulting geometry are then calculated using the ].
As well as obeying local energy-momentum conservation, the EFE reduce to ] where the gravitational field is weak and velocities are much less than the ].<ref name=Carroll>{{cite book|last=Carroll| first=Sean| authorlink = Sean M. Carroll| year=2004| title=Spacetime and Geometry - An Introduction to General Relativity| pages=151–159 | isbn=0-8053-8732-3}}</ref>


As well as implying local energy–momentum conservation, the EFE reduce to ] in the limit of a weak gravitational field and velocities that are much less than the ].<ref name="Carroll">{{cite book |last=Carroll |first=Sean |author-link=Sean M. Carroll |year=2004 |title=Spacetime and Geometry – An Introduction to General Relativity |pages=151–159 |publisher=Addison Wesley |isbn=0-8053-8732-3}}</ref>
Solution techniques for the EFE include simplifying assumptions such as ]. Special classes of ] are most often studied as they model many gravitational phenomena, such as ]s and the ]. Further simplification is achieved in approximating the actual spacetime as ] with a small deviation, leading to the ]. These equations are used to study phenomena such as ].

Exact solutions for the EFE can only be found under simplifying assumptions such as ]. Special classes of ] are most often studied since they model many gravitational phenomena, such as ]s and the ]. Further simplification is achieved in approximating the spacetime as having only small deviations from ], leading to the ]. These equations are used to study phenomena such as ].


==Mathematical form== ==Mathematical form==
{{Spacetime|cTopic=Mathematics}}
The Einstein field equations (EFE) may be written in the form:<ref>{{cite book |title=Einstein's General Theory of Relativity: With Modern Applications in Cosmology |edition=illustrated |first1=Øyvind |last1=Grøn |first2=Sigbjorn |last2=Hervik |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-387-69200-5 |page=180 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IyJhCHAryuUC&pg=PA180}}</ref><ref name="ein"/>


:<math>G_{\mu \nu} + \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} = \kappa T_{\mu \nu}</math>
The Einstein field equations (EFE) may be written in the form:<ref name="ein"/>


], Netherlands]]
{{Equation box 1
where <math>G_{\mu \nu}</math> is the Einstein tensor, <math>g_{\mu \nu}</math> is the metric tensor, <math>T_{\mu \nu}</math> is the ], <math>\Lambda</math> is the ] and <math>\kappa</math> is the Einstein gravitational constant.
|indent =:
|equation = <math>R_{\mu \nu} + \left(\Lambda - {R \over 2}\right) g_{\mu \nu} = {8 \pi G \over c^4} T_{\mu \nu}</math>
|cellpadding
|border
|border colour =
|background colour = }}


The Einstein tensor is defined as
where <math>R_{\mu \nu}\,</math> is the ], <math>R\,</math> the ], <math>g_{\mu \nu}\,</math> the ], <math>\Lambda\,</math> is the ], <math>G\,</math> is ], <math>c\,</math> the ] in vacuum, and <math>T_{\mu \nu}\,</math> the ].
:<math>G_{\mu \nu} = R_{\mu \nu} - \frac{1}{2} R g_{\mu \nu},</math>
where <math>R_{\mu \nu}</math> is the ], and <math>R</math> is the ]. This is a symmetric second-degree tensor that depends on only the metric tensor and its first and second derivatives.


The '''Einstein gravitational constant''' is defined as<ref>With the choice of the Einstein gravitational constant as given here, {{math|1=''κ'' = 8''πG''/''c''{{i sup|4}}}}, the stress–energy tensor on the right side of the equation must be written with each component in units of energy density (i.e., energy per volume, equivalently pressure). In Einstein's original publication, the choice is {{math|1=''κ'' = 8''πG''/''c''{{i sup|2}}}}, in which case the stress–energy tensor components have units of mass density.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Adler|first1=Ronald|last2=Bazin|first2=Maurice| last3=Schiffer|first3=Menahem| url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1046135|title=Introduction to general relativity|date=1975|publisher=McGraw-Hill| isbn=0-07-000423-4| edition=2d |location=New York|oclc=1046135}}</ref>
The EFE is a ] equation relating a set of ]. Each tensor has 10 independent components. The four ] reduce the number of independent equations from 10 to 6, leaving the metric with four ] ], which correspond to the freedom to choose a coordinate system.
:<math>\kappa = \frac{8 \pi G}{c^4} \approx 2.07665\times10^{-43} \, \textrm{N}^{-1} ,</math> or <math>\textrm{m/J} ,</math>
where {{mvar|G}} is the ] and {{mvar|c}} is the ] in ].


The EFE can thus also be written as
Although the Einstein field equations were initially formulated in the context of a four-dimensional theory, some theorists have explored their consequences in ''n'' dimensions. The equations in contexts outside of general relativity are still referred to as the Einstein field equations. The vacuum field equations (obtained when T is identically zero) define ]s.
:<math>R_{\mu \nu} - \frac{1}{2} R g_{\mu \nu} + \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} = \kappa T_{\mu \nu}.</math>


In standard units, each term on the left has units of 1/length<sup>2</sup>.
Despite the simple appearance of the equations they are, in fact, quite complicated. Given a specified distribution of matter and energy in the form of a stress–energy tensor, the EFE are understood to be equations for the metric tensor <math>g_{\mu \nu}</math>, as both the Ricci tensor and scalar curvature depend on the metric in a complicated nonlinear manner. In fact, when fully written out, the EFE are a system of 10 coupled, nonlinear, hyperbolic-elliptic ]s.


The expression on the left represents the curvature of spacetime as determined by the metric; the expression on the right represents the stress–energy–momentum content of spacetime. The EFE can then be interpreted as a set of equations dictating how stress–energy–momentum determines the curvature of spacetime.
One can write the EFE in a more compact form by defining the ]
:<math>G_{\mu \nu} = R_{\mu \nu} - {1 \over 2}R g_{\mu \nu},</math>


These equations, together with the ],<ref name="SW1993">{{cite book| last=Weinberg |first=Steven|title=Dreams of a Final Theory: the search for the fundamental laws of nature| year=1993 | publisher=Vintage Press|pages=107, 233|isbn=0-09-922391-0}}</ref> which dictates how freely falling matter moves through spacetime, form the core of the ] of ].
which is a symmetric second-rank tensor that is a function of the metric. The EFE can then be written as
:<math>G_{\mu \nu} + g_{\mu \nu} \Lambda = {8 \pi G \over c^4} T_{\mu \nu}.</math>


The EFE is a tensor equation relating a set of ]. Each tensor has 10 independent components. The four ] reduce the number of independent equations from 10 to 6, leaving the metric with four ] ], which correspond to the freedom to choose a coordinate system.
Using ] where ''G'' = ''c'' = 1, this can be rewritten as
:<math>G_{\mu \nu} + g_{\mu \nu} \Lambda = 8 \pi T_{\mu \nu}\,.</math>


Although the Einstein field equations were initially formulated in the context of a four-dimensional theory, some theorists have explored their consequences in {{mvar|n}} dimensions.<ref name="Stephani et al">{{cite book | last1 = Stephani | first1 = Hans |first2=D. |last2=Kramer |first3=M. |last3=MacCallum |first4=C. |last4=Hoenselaers |first5=E. |last5=Herlt | title = Exact Solutions of Einstein's Field Equations | publisher = ] | year = 2003 | isbn = 0-521-46136-7 }}</ref> The equations in contexts outside of general relativity are still referred to as the Einstein field equations. The vacuum field equations (obtained when {{math|''T''{{sub|''μν''}}}} is everywhere zero) define ]s.
The expression on the left represents the curvature of spacetime as determined by the metric; the expression on the right represents the matter/energy content of spacetime. The EFE can then be interpreted as a set of equations dictating how matter/energy determines the curvature of spacetime.


The equations are more complex than they appear. Given a specified distribution of matter and energy in the form of a stress–energy tensor, the EFE are understood to be equations for the metric tensor <math>g_{\mu \nu}</math>, since both the Ricci tensor and scalar curvature depend on the metric in a complicated nonlinear manner. When fully written out, the EFE are a system of ten coupled, nonlinear, hyperbolic-elliptic ]s.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Alan D. |last=Rendall |title=Theorems on Existence and Global Dynamics for the Einstein Equations |journal=Living Rev. Relativ. |volume=8 |year=2005 |issue=1 |at=Article number: 6 |doi=10.12942/lrr-2005-6 |pmid=28179868 |pmc=5256071 |arxiv=gr-qc/0505133 |bibcode=2005LRR.....8....6R |doi-access=free }}</ref>
These equations, together with the ]<ref name="SW1993">{{cite book|last=Weinberg |first=Steven|title=Dreams of a Final Theory: the search for the fundamental laws of nature|year=1993|publisher=Vintage Press|page=107, 233|isbn=0-09-922391-0}}</ref>, which dictates how freely-falling matter moves through space-time, form the core of the ] of ].


===Sign convention=== ===Sign convention===
The above form of the EFE is the standard established by ]. The authors analyzed all conventions that exist and classified according to the following three signs (S1, S2, S3): The above form of the EFE is the standard established by ] (MTW).{{sfnp|Misner|Thorne|Wheeler|1973|p=501ff}} The authors analyzed conventions that exist and classified these according to three signs ( ):


<math display="block">\begin{align}
:<math>
\begin{align}
g_{\mu \nu} & = \times \operatorname{diag}(-1,+1,+1,+1) \\ g_{\mu \nu} & = \times \operatorname{diag}(-1,+1,+1,+1) \\
{R^\mu}_{a \beta \gamma} & = \times (\Gamma^\mu_{a \gamma,\beta}-\Gamma^\mu_{a \beta,\gamma}+\Gamma^\mu_{\sigma \beta}\Gamma^\sigma_{\gamma a}-\Gamma^\mu_{\sigma \gamma}\Gamma^\sigma_{\beta a}) \\ {R^\mu}_{\alpha \beta \gamma} & = \times \left(\Gamma^\mu_{\alpha \gamma,\beta} - \Gamma^\mu_{\alpha \beta,\gamma} + \Gamma^\mu_{\sigma \beta}\Gamma^\sigma_{\gamma \alpha} - \Gamma^\mu_{\sigma \gamma}\Gamma^\sigma_{\beta \alpha}\right) \\
G_{\mu \nu} & = \times {8 \pi G \over c^4} T_{\mu \nu} G_{\mu \nu} & = \times \kappa T_{\mu \nu}
\end{align} \end{align}</math>
</math>


The third sign above is related to the choice of convention for the Ricci tensor: The third sign above is related to the choice of convention for the Ricci tensor:
:<math>R_{\mu \nu}=\times \times {R^a}_{\mu a \nu} </math> <math display="block">R_{\mu \nu} = \times \times {R^\alpha}_{\mu\alpha\nu} </math>


With these definitions ] classify themselves as <math>(+++)\,</math>, whereas Weinberg (1972) is <math>(+--)\,</math>, Peebles (1980) and Efstathiou (1990) are <math>(-++)\,</math> while Peacock (1994), Rindler (1977), Atwater (1974), Collins Martin & Squires (1989) are <math>(-+-)\,</math>. With these definitions ] classify themselves as {{math|(+ + +)}}, whereas Weinberg (1972){{sfnp|Weinberg|1972}} is {{math|(+ − −)}}, Peebles (1980)<ref>{{cite book |last=Peebles |first=Phillip James Edwin |title=The Large-scale Structure of the Universe |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=1980 |isbn=0-691-08239-1 }}</ref> and Efstathiou et al. (1990)<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Efstathiou |first1=G. |first2=W. J. |last2=Sutherland |first3=S. J. |last3=Maddox |s2cid=12988317 |title=The cosmological constant and cold dark matter |journal=] |volume=348 |issue=6303 |year=1990 |pages=705 |doi=10.1038/348705a0 |bibcode=1990Natur.348..705E }}</ref> are {{math|(− + +)}}, Rindler (1977),{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} Atwater (1974),{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} Collins Martin & Squires (1989)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Collins |first1=P. D. B. |last2=Martin |first2=A. D. |last3=Squires |first3=E. J. |year=1989 |title=Particle Physics and Cosmology |location=New York |publisher=Wiley |isbn=0-471-60088-1 }}</ref> and Peacock (1999){{sfnp|Peacock|1999}} are {{math|(− + −)}}.


Authors including Einstein have used a different sign in their definition for the Ricci tensor which results in the sign of the constant on the right side being negative Authors including Einstein have used a different sign in their definition for the Ricci tensor which results in the sign of the constant on the right side being negative:
:<math>R_{\mu \nu} - {1 \over 2}g_{\mu \nu}\,R - g_{\mu \nu} \Lambda = -{8 \pi G \over c^4} T_{\mu \nu}.</math> <math display="block">R_{\mu \nu} - \frac{1}{2} R g_{\mu \nu} - \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} = -\kappa T_{\mu \nu}.</math>


The sign of the (very small) cosmological term would change in both these versions, if the +−−− metric ] is used rather than the MTW −+++ metric sign convention adopted here. The sign of the cosmological term would change in both these versions if the {{math|(+ − − −)}} metric ] is used rather than the MTW {{math|( + + +)}} metric sign convention adopted here.


===Equivalent formulations=== ===Equivalent formulations===
Taking the ] of both sides of the EFE one gets Taking the ] of both sides of the EFE one gets
:<math>R - 2 R + 4 \Lambda = {8 \pi G \over c^4} T \,</math> <math display="block">R - \frac{D}{2} R + D \Lambda = \kappa T ,</math>
where {{mvar|D}} is the spacetime dimension. Solving for {{math|''R''}} and substituting this in the original EFE, one gets the following equivalent "trace-reversed" form:
<math display="block">R_{\mu \nu} - \frac{2}{D-2} \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} = \kappa \left(T_{\mu \nu} - \frac{1}{D-2}Tg_{\mu \nu}\right) .</math>


In {{math|1=''D'' = 4}} dimensions this reduces to
which simplifies to
:<math>-R + 4 \Lambda = {8 \pi G \over c^4} T \,.</math> <math display="block">R_{\mu \nu} - \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} = \kappa \left(T_{\mu \nu} - \frac{1}{2}T\,g_{\mu \nu}\right) .</math>


Reversing the trace again would restore the original EFE. The trace-reversed form may be more convenient in some cases (for example, when one is interested in weak-field limit and can replace <math>g_{\mu \nu}</math> in the expression on the right with the ] without significant loss of accuracy).
If one adds <math>- {1 \over 2} g_{\mu \nu} \,</math> times this to the EFE, one gets the following equivalent "trace-reversed" form
:<math>R_{\mu \nu} - g_{\mu \nu} \Lambda = {8 \pi G \over c^4} \left(T_{\mu \nu} - {1 \over 2}T\,g_{\mu \nu}\right) \,.</math>

Reversing the trace again would restore the original EFE. The trace-reversed form may be more convenient in some cases (for example, when one is interested in weak-field limit and can replace <math>g_{\mu\nu} \,</math> in the expression on the right with the ] without significant loss of accuracy).


==The cosmological constant== ==The cosmological constant==
{{Main|Cosmological constant}}
Einstein modified his original field equations to include a cosmological term proportional to the ]
:<math>R_{\mu \nu} - {1 \over 2}g_{\mu \nu}\,R + g_{\mu \nu} \Lambda = {8 \pi G \over c^4} T_{\mu \nu} \,.</math>


In the Einstein field equations
The constant <math>\Lambda</math> is the ]. Since <math>\Lambda</math> is constant, the energy conservation law is unaffected.
<math display="block">G_{\mu \nu} + \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} = \kappa T_{\mu \nu} \,,</math>
the term containing the cosmological constant {{math|Λ}} was absent from the version in which he originally published them. Einstein then included the term with the cosmological constant to allow for a ]. This effort was unsuccessful because:
* any desired steady state solution described by this equation is unstable, and
* observations by ] showed that our universe is ].


The cosmological constant term was originally introduced by Einstein to allow for a static universe (i.e., one that is not expanding or contracting). This effort was unsuccessful for two reasons: the static universe described by this theory was unstable, and observations of distant galaxies by ] a decade later confirmed that our universe is, in fact, not static but ]. So <math>\Lambda</math> was abandoned, with Einstein calling it the "biggest blunder ever made".<ref name = gamow>{{cite book| last = Gamow| first = George| authorlink = George Gamow| title = My World Line : An Informal Autobiography| publisher = ]| date = April 28, 1970| isbn = 0-670-50376-2| url = http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~jpl/cosmo/blunder.html| accessdate = 2007-03-14 }}</ref> For many years the cosmological constant was almost universally considered to be 0. Einstein then abandoned {{math|Λ}}, remarking to ] "that the introduction of the cosmological term was the biggest blunder of his life".<ref name = gamow>{{cite book| last = Gamow| first = George| author-link = George Gamow| title = My World Line : An Informal Autobiography| publisher = ]| date = April 28, 1970| isbn = 0-670-50376-2| url = http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~jpl/cosmo/blunder.html| access-date = 2007-03-14 }}</ref>


Despite ]'s misguided motivation for introducing the cosmological constant term, there is nothing inconsistent with the presence of such a term in the equations. Indeed, recent improved ] techniques have found that a positive value of <math>\Lambda</math> is needed to explain the ].<ref name=wahl>{{cite news|last=Wahl| first=Nicolle| date=2005-11-22| title=Was Einstein's 'biggest blunder' a stellar success?| url=http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/051122-1839.asp | accessdate=2007-03-14 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070307191343/http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/051122-1839.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-03-07}}</ref><ref name=turner>{{cite journal The inclusion of this term does not create inconsistencies. For many years the cosmological constant was almost universally assumed to be zero. More recent ] observations have shown an ], and to explain this a positive value of {{math|Λ}} is needed.<ref name=wahl>{{cite news| last=Wahl| first=Nicolle| date=2005-11-22| title=Was Einstein's 'biggest blunder' a stellar success?| url=http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/051122-1839.asp |publisher =University of Toronto|work = News@UofT |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070307191343/http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/051122-1839.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-03-07}}</ref><ref name= turner>
{{cite journal
|last=Turner | first=Michael S.
|last=Turner |first=Michael S.
|date=May, 2001| title=Making Sense of the New Cosmology
|s2cid=16669258
|journal=Int.J.Mod.Phys. A17S1
|date=May 2001
|volume=17
|title=Making Sense of the New Cosmology
|journal=Int. J. Mod. Phys. A
|volume=17|issue=S1
|pages=180–196 |pages=180–196
|doi=10.1142/S0217751X02013113 |doi=10.1142/S0217751X02013113
|arxiv=astro-ph/0202008|bibcode = 2002IJMPA..17S.180T }}</ref> |arxiv=astro-ph/0202008|bibcode = 2002IJMPA..17S.180T }}</ref> The effect of the cosmological constant is negligible at the scale of a galaxy or smaller.


Einstein thought of the cosmological constant as an independent parameter, but its term in the field equation can also be moved algebraically to the other side, written as part of the stress–energy tensor: Einstein thought of the cosmological constant as an independent parameter, but its term in the field equation can also be moved algebraically to the other side and incorporated as part of the stress–energy tensor:
:<math>T_{\mu \nu}^{\mathrm{(vac)}} = - \frac{\Lambda c^4}{8 \pi G} g_{\mu \nu} \,.</math> <math display="block">T_{\mu \nu}^\mathrm{(vac)} = - \frac{\Lambda}{\kappa} g_{\mu \nu} \,.</math>


This tensor describes a ] with an ] {{math|''ρ''{{sub|vac}}}} and isotropic pressure {{math|''p''{{sub|vac}}}} that are fixed constants and given by
The resulting ] is constant and given by
:<math>\rho_{\mathrm{vac}} = \frac{\Lambda c^2}{8 \pi G}</math> <math display="block">\rho_\mathrm{vac} = - p_\mathrm{vac} = \frac{\Lambda}{\kappa},</math>
where it is assumed that {{math|Λ}} has SI unit m{{sup|−2}} and {{math|''κ''}} is defined as above.


The existence of a cosmological constant is thus equivalent to the existence of a non-zero vacuum energy. The terms are now used interchangeably in general relativity. The existence of a cosmological constant is thus equivalent to the existence of a vacuum energy and a pressure of opposite sign. This has led to the terms "cosmological constant" and "vacuum energy" being used interchangeably in general relativity.


==Features== ==Features==

===Conservation of energy and momentum=== ===Conservation of energy and momentum===
General relativity is consistent with the local conservation of energy and momentum expressed as General relativity is consistent with the local conservation of energy and momentum expressed as


:<math>\nabla_b T^{ab} \, = T^{ab}{}_{;b} \, = 0</math>. <math display="block">\nabla_\beta T^{\alpha\beta} = {T^{\alpha\beta}}_{;\beta} = 0.</math>

<div style="clear:both;width:65%;" class="NavFrame collapsed">
<div class="NavHead" style="background-color:#FFFFFF; text-align:left; font-size:larger;">Derivation of local energy-momentum conservation</div>
<div class="NavContent" style="text-align:left;">


{{math proof|title=Derivation of local energy–momentum conservation|proof=
Contracting the ] Contracting the ]
<math display="block">R_{\alpha\beta} = 0</math>

with {{mvar|g{{sup|αβ}}}} gives, using the fact that the metric tensor is covariantly constant, i.e. {{math|1=''g{{sup|αβ}}{{sub|;γ}}'' = 0}},
:<math>R_{ab} = \, 0</math>
<math display="block">{R^\gamma}_{\beta\gamma\delta;\varepsilon} + {R^\gamma}_{\beta\varepsilon\gamma;\delta} + {R^\gamma}_{\beta\delta\varepsilon;\gamma} = 0</math>

with <math>g^{ac}</math> gives, using the fact that the metric tensor is covariantly constant, i.e. <math>g^{ab}{}_{;c}=0</math>,

:<math>R^c{}_{bcd;e} + \, R^c{}_{bec;d} + \, R^c{}_{bde;c} = \, 0</math>


The antisymmetry of the Riemann tensor allows the second term in the above expression to be rewritten: The antisymmetry of the Riemann tensor allows the second term in the above expression to be rewritten:


:<math>R^c{}_{bcd;e} \, - R^c{}_{bce;d} \, + R^c{}_{bde;c} \, = 0</math> <math display="block">{R^\gamma}_{\beta\gamma\delta;\varepsilon} - {R^\gamma}_{\beta\gamma\varepsilon;\delta} + {R^\gamma}_{\beta\delta\varepsilon;\gamma} = 0</math>

which is equivalent to which is equivalent to
<math display="block">R_{\beta\delta;\varepsilon} - R_{\beta\varepsilon;\delta} + {R^\gamma}_{\beta\delta\varepsilon;\gamma} = 0</math>

:<math>R_{bd;e} \, - R_{be;d} \, + R^c{}_{bde;c} \, = 0</math>

using the definition of the ]. using the definition of the ].


Next, contract again with the metric Next, contract again with the metric
<math display="block">g^{\beta\delta}\left(R_{\beta\delta;\varepsilon} - R_{\beta\varepsilon;\delta} + {R^\gamma}_{\beta\delta\varepsilon;\gamma}\right) = 0</math>

:<math>g^{bd}(R_{bd;e} \, - R_{be;d} \, + R^c{}_{bde;c}) \, = 0</math>

to get to get
<math display="block">{R^\delta}_{\delta;\varepsilon} - {R^\delta}_{\varepsilon;\delta} + {R^{\gamma\delta}}_{\delta\varepsilon;\gamma} = 0</math>


The definitions of the Ricci curvature tensor and the scalar curvature then show that
:<math>R^d{}_{d;e} \, - R^d{}_{e;d} \, + R^{cd}{}_{de;c} \, = 0</math>
<math display="block">R_{;\varepsilon} - 2{R^\gamma}_{\varepsilon;\gamma} = 0</math>

The definitions of the Riemann tensor and Ricci scalar then show that

:<math>R_{;e} \, - 2R^c{}_{e;c} \, = 0</math>

which can be rewritten as which can be rewritten as
<math display="block">\left({R^\gamma}_{\varepsilon} - \tfrac{1}{2}{g^\gamma}_{\varepsilon}R\right)_{;\gamma} = 0</math>


A final contraction with {{mvar|g{{sup|εδ}}}} gives
:<math>(R^c{}_{e} \, - \frac{1}{2}g^c{}_{e}R)_{;c} \, = 0</math>
<math display="block">\left(R^{\gamma\delta} - \tfrac{1}{2}g^{\gamma\delta}R\right)_{;\gamma} = 0</math>

A final contraction with <math>g^{ed}</math> gives

:<math>(R^{cd} \, - \frac{1}{2}g^{cd}R)_{;c} \, = 0</math>

which by the symmetry of the bracketed term and the definition of the ], gives, after relabelling the indices, which by the symmetry of the bracketed term and the definition of the ], gives, after relabelling the indices,
<math display="block"> {G^{\alpha\beta}}_{;\beta} = 0 </math>

:<math> G^{ab}{}_{;b} \, = 0 </math>


Using the EFE, this immediately gives, Using the EFE, this immediately gives,
<math display="block">\nabla_\beta T^{\alpha\beta} = {T^{\alpha\beta}}_{;\beta} = 0</math>
}}


which expresses the local conservation of stress–energy. This conservation law is a physical requirement. With his field equations Einstein ensured that general relativity is consistent with this conservation condition.
:<math>\nabla_b T^{ab} \, = T^{ab}{}_{;b} \, = 0</math>

</div>
</div>

which expresses the local conservation of stress–energy. This conservation law is a physical requirement. With his field equations ] ensured that general relativity is consistent with this conservation condition.


===Nonlinearity=== ===Nonlinearity===


The nonlinearity of the EFE distinguishes general relativity from many other fundamental physical theories. For example, ] of ] are linear in the ] and ]s, and charge and current distributions (i.e. the sum of two solutions is also a solution); another example is ] of ] which is linear in the ]. The nonlinearity of the EFE distinguishes general relativity from many other fundamental physical theories. For example, ] of ] are linear in the ] and ]s, and charge and current distributions (i.e. the sum of two solutions is also a solution); another example is ] of ], which is linear in the ].


===The correspondence principle=== ===The correspondence principle===
The EFE reduce to ] by using both the ] and the ]. In fact, the constant ''G'' appearing in the EFE is determined by making these two approximations. The EFE reduce to ] by using both the ] and the ]. In fact, the constant {{mvar|G}} appearing in the EFE is determined by making these two approximations.


{{math proof|title=Derivation of Newton's law of gravity | proof=
<div style="clear:both;width:65%;" class="NavFrame collapsed">
Newtonian gravitation can be written as the theory of a scalar field, {{math|Φ}}, which is the gravitational potential in joules per kilogram of the gravitational field {{math|1=''g'' = −∇Φ}}, see ]
<div class="NavHead" style="background-color:#FFFFFF; text-align:left; font-size:larger;">Derivation of Newton's law of gravity</div>
<math display="block">\nabla^2 \Phi \left(\vec{x},t\right) = 4 \pi G \rho \left(\vec{x},t\right)</math>
<div class="NavContent" style="text-align:left;">
where {{mvar|ρ}} is the mass density. The orbit of a ]ing particle satisfies

<math display="block">\ddot{\vec{x}}(t) = \vec{g} = - \nabla \Phi \left(\vec{x} (t),t\right) \,.</math>
Newtonian gravitation can be written as the theory of a scalar field, <math>\Phi \!</math>, which is the gravitational potential in joules per kilogram
:<math>\nabla^2 \Phi = 4 \pi G \rho </math>

where <math>\rho \!</math> is the mass density. The orbit of a ]ing particle satisfies
:<math>\ddot{\vec{x}} = - \nabla \Phi ,t] \,.</math>


In tensor notation, these become In tensor notation, these become
<math display="block">\begin{align}
:<math>\Phi_{,i i} = 4 \pi G \rho \,</math>
:<math>\frac{d^2 x^i}{{d t}^2} = - \Phi_{,i} \,.</math> \Phi_{,i i} &= 4 \pi G \rho \\
\frac{d^2 x^i}{d t^2} &= - \Phi_{,i} \,.
\end{align}</math>


In general relativity, these equations are replaced by the Einstein field equations in the trace-reversed form In general relativity, these equations are replaced by the Einstein field equations in the trace-reversed form
:<math>R_{\mu \nu} = K (T_{\mu \nu} - {1 \over 2} T g_{\mu \nu})</math> <math display="block">R_{\mu \nu} = K \left(T_{\mu \nu} - \tfrac{1}{2} T g_{\mu \nu}\right)</math>
for some constant, {{mvar|K}}, and the ]

<math display="block">\frac{d^2 x^\alpha}{d \tau^2} = - \Gamma^\alpha_{\beta \gamma} \frac{d x^\beta}{d \tau} \frac{d x^\gamma}{d \tau} \,.</math>
for some constant, ''K'', and the ]
:<math>\frac{d^2 x^\alpha}{{d \tau}^2} = - \Gamma^\alpha_{\beta \gamma} \frac{d x^\beta}{d \tau} \frac{d x^\gamma}{d \tau} \,.</math>

To see how the latter reduce to the former, we assume that the test particle's velocity is approximately zero
:<math>\frac{d x^\beta}{d \tau} \approx (\frac{d t}{d \tau}, 0, 0, 0) </math>


To see how the latter reduces to the former, we assume that the test particle's velocity is approximately zero
<math display="block">\frac{d x^\beta}{d \tau} \approx \left(\frac{dt}{d \tau}, 0, 0, 0\right) </math>
and thus and thus
:<math>\frac{d}{d t} \left( \frac{d t}{d \tau} \right) \approx 0 </math> <math display="block">\frac{d}{d t} \left( \frac{dt}{d \tau} \right) \approx 0 </math>
and that the metric and its derivatives are approximately static and that the squares of deviations from the Minkowski metric are negligible. Applying these simplifying assumptions to the spatial components of the geodesic equation gives

<math display="block">\frac{d^2 x^i}{d t^2} \approx - \Gamma^i_{0 0} </math>
and that the metric and its derivatives are approximately static and that the squares of deviations from the ] are negligible. Applying these simplifying assumptions to the spatial components of the geodesic equation gives
where two factors of {{math|{{sfrac|''dt''|''dτ''}}}} have been divided out. This will reduce to its Newtonian counterpart, provided
:<math>\frac{d^2 x^i}{{d t}^2} \approx - \Gamma^i_{0 0} </math>
<math display="block">\Phi_{,i} \approx \Gamma^i_{0 0} = \tfrac{1}{2} g^{i \alpha} \left(g_{\alpha 0 , 0} + g_{0 \alpha , 0} - g_{0 0 , \alpha}\right) \,.</math>

where two factors of <math>\frac{d t}{d \tau}</math> have been divided out. This will reduce to its Newtonian counterpart, provided
:<math>\Phi_{,i} \approx \Gamma^i_{0 0} = {1 \over 2} g^{i \alpha} (g_{\alpha 0 , 0} + g_{0 \alpha , 0} - g_{0 0 , \alpha}) \,.</math>

Our assumptions force α=i and the time (0) derivatives to be zero. So this simplifies to
:<math>2 \Phi_{,i} \approx g^{i j} (- g_{0 0 , j}) \approx - g_{0 0 , i} \,</math>


Our assumptions force {{math|1=''α'' = ''i''}} and the time (0) derivatives to be zero. So this simplifies to
<math display="block">2 \Phi_{,i} \approx g^{i j} \left(- g_{0 0 , j}\right) \approx - g_{0 0 , i} \,</math>
which is satisfied by letting which is satisfied by letting
:<math>g_{0 0} \approx - c^2 - 2 \Phi \,.</math> <math display="block">g_{0 0} \approx - c^2 - 2 \Phi \,.</math>


Turning to the Einstein equations, we only need the time-time component Turning to the Einstein equations, we only need the time-time component
:<math>R_{0 0} = K (T_{0 0} - {1 \over 2} T g_{0 0})</math> <math display="block">R_{0 0} = K \left(T_{0 0} - \tfrac{1}{2} T g_{0 0}\right)</math>
the low speed and static field assumptions imply that

<math display="block">T_{\mu \nu} \approx \operatorname{diag} \left(T_{0 0}, 0, 0, 0\right) \approx \operatorname{diag} \left(\rho c^4, 0, 0, 0\right) \,.</math>
the low speed and static field assumptions imply that
:<math>T_{\mu \nu} \approx \mathrm{diag} (T_{0 0}, 0, 0, 0) \approx \mathrm{diag} (\rho c^4, 0, 0, 0) \,.</math>

So
:<math>T = g^{\alpha \beta} T_{\alpha \beta} \approx g^{0 0} T_{0 0} \approx {-1 \over c^2} \rho c^4 = - \rho c^2 \,</math>


So
<math display="block">T = g^{\alpha \beta} T_{\alpha \beta} \approx g^{0 0} T_{0 0} \approx -\frac{1}{c^2} \rho c^4 = - \rho c^2 \,</math>
and thus and thus
:<math>K (T_{0 0} - {1 \over 2} T g_{0 0}) \approx K (\rho c^4 - {1 \over 2} (- \rho c^2) (- c^2)) = {1 \over 2} K \rho c^4 \,.</math> <math display="block">K \left(T_{0 0} - \tfrac{1}{2} T g_{0 0}\right) \approx K \left(\rho c^4 - \tfrac{1}{2} \left(- \rho c^2\right) \left(- c^2\right)\right) = \tfrac{1}{2} K \rho c^4 \,.</math>


From the definition of the Ricci tensor From the definition of the Ricci tensor
<math display="block">R_{0 0} = \Gamma^\rho_{0 0 , \rho} - \Gamma^\rho_{\rho 0 , 0}
:<math>
R_{0 0} = \Gamma^\rho_{0 0 , \rho} - \Gamma^\rho_{\rho 0 , 0}
+ \Gamma^\rho_{\rho \lambda} \Gamma^\lambda_{0 0} + \Gamma^\rho_{\rho \lambda} \Gamma^\lambda_{0 0}
- \Gamma^\rho_{0 \lambda} \Gamma^\lambda_{\rho 0} - \Gamma^\rho_{0 \lambda} \Gamma^\lambda_{\rho 0}.</math>
.</math>


Our simplifying assumptions make the squares of Γ disappear together with the time derivatives Our simplifying assumptions make the squares of {{mvar|Γ}} disappear together with the time derivatives
:<math>R_{0 0} \approx \Gamma^i_{0 0 , i} \,.</math> <math display="block">R_{0 0} \approx \Gamma^i_{0 0 , i} \,.</math>


Combining the above equations together Combining the above equations together
:<math>\Phi_{,i i} \approx \Gamma^i_{0 0 , i} \approx R_{0 0} = K (T_{0 0} - {1 \over 2} T g_{0 0}) \approx {1 \over 2} K \rho c^4 \,</math> <math display="block">\Phi_{,i i} \approx \Gamma^i_{0 0 , i} \approx R_{0 0} = K \left(T_{0 0} - \tfrac{1}{2} T g_{0 0}\right) \approx \tfrac{1}{2} K \rho c^4 </math>
which reduces to the Newtonian field equation provided

<math display="block">\tfrac{1}{2} K \rho c^4 = 4 \pi G \rho \,</math>
which reduces to the Newtonian field equation provided
which will occur if
:<math>{1 \over 2} K \rho c^4 = 4 \pi G \rho \,</math>
<math display="block">K = \frac{8 \pi G}{c^4} \,.</math>

}}
which will occur if
:<math>K = \frac{8 \pi G}{c^4} \,.</math>

</div>
</div>


==Vacuum field equations== ==Vacuum field equations==
] ]
If the energy-momentum tensor <math>T_{\mu \nu}</math> is zero in the region under consideration, then the field equations are also referred to as the ]. By setting <math>T_{\mu \nu} = 0</math> in the ], the vacuum equations can be written as If the energy–momentum tensor {{mvar|T{{sub|μν}}}} is zero in the region under consideration, then the field equations are also referred to as the ]. By setting {{math|1=''T{{sub|μν}}'' = 0}} in the ], the vacuum field equations, also known as 'Einstein vacuum equations' (EVE), can be written as
<math display="block">R_{\mu \nu} = 0 \,.</math>

:<math>R_{\mu \nu} = 0 \,.</math>


In the case of nonzero cosmological constant, the equations are In the case of nonzero cosmological constant, the equations are
<math display="block">R_{\mu \nu} = \frac{\Lambda}{\frac{D}{2} -1} g_{\mu \nu} \,.</math>

:<math>R_{\mu \nu} = \Lambda g_{\mu \nu} \,.</math>


The solutions to the vacuum field equations are called ]. Flat ] is the simplest example of a vacuum solution. Nontrivial examples include the ] and the ]. The solutions to the vacuum field equations are called ]. Flat ] is the simplest example of a vacuum solution. Nontrivial examples include the ] and the ].


]s with a vanishing ], <math> R_{\mu \nu}=0 </math>, are referred to as ]s and manifolds with a Ricci tensor proportional to the metric as ]s. ]s with a vanishing ], {{math|1=''R{{sub|μν}}'' = 0}}, are referred to as ]s and manifolds with a Ricci tensor proportional to the metric as ]s.


==Einstein–Maxwell equations== ==Einstein–Maxwell equations==
{{see also|Maxwell's equations in curved spacetime}} {{See also|Maxwell's equations in curved spacetime}}
If the energy-momentum tensor <math>T_{\mu \nu}</math> is that of an ] in ], i.e. if the ] If the energy–momentum tensor {{mvar|T{{sub|μν}}}} is that of an ] in ], i.e. if the ]
<math display="block">T^{\alpha \beta} = \, -\frac{1}{\mu_0} \left( {F^\alpha}^\psi {F_\psi}^\beta + \tfrac{1}{4} g^{\alpha \beta} F_{\psi\tau} F^{\psi\tau}\right) </math>
is used, then the Einstein field equations are called the ''Einstein–Maxwell equations'' (with ] {{math|Λ}}, taken to be zero in conventional relativity theory):
<math display="block">G^{\alpha \beta} + \Lambda g^{\alpha \beta} = \frac{\kappa}{\mu_0} \left( {F^\alpha}^\psi {F_\psi}^\beta + \tfrac{1}{4} g^{\alpha \beta} F_{\psi\tau} F^{\psi\tau}\right).</math>


Additionally, the ] are also applicable in free space:
:<math>T^{\alpha \beta} = \, -\frac{1}{\mu_0} \left( F^{\alpha}{}^{\psi} F_{\psi}{}^{\beta} + {1 \over 4} g^{\alpha \beta} F_{\psi\tau} F^{\psi\tau}\right) </math>
<math display="block">\begin{align}
{F^{\alpha\beta}}_{;\beta} &= 0 \\
F_{}&=\tfrac{1}{3}\left(F_{\alpha\beta;\gamma} + F_{\beta\gamma;\alpha}+F_{\gamma\alpha;\beta}\right)=\tfrac{1}{3}\left(F_{\alpha\beta,\gamma} + F_{\beta\gamma,\alpha}+F_{\gamma\alpha,\beta}\right)= 0.
\end{align}</math>
where the semicolon represents a ], and the brackets denote ]. The first equation asserts that the 4-] of the ] {{mvar|F}} is zero, and the second that its ] is zero. From the latter, it follows by the ] that in a coordinate chart it is possible to introduce an electromagnetic field potential {{mvar|A<sub>α</sub>}} such that
<math display="block">F_{\alpha\beta} = A_{\alpha;\beta} - A_{\beta;\alpha} = A_{\alpha,\beta} - A_{\beta,\alpha}</math>
in which the comma denotes a partial derivative. This is often taken as equivalent to the covariant Maxwell equation from which it is derived.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Brown|first=Harvey|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T6IVyWiPQksC&q=Maxwell+and+potential+and+%22generally+covariant%22&pg=PA164| title=Physical Relativity|page=164|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2005 | isbn=978-0-19-927583-0}}</ref> However, there are global solutions of the equation that may lack a globally defined potential.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1=Trautman | first1=Andrzej | s2cid=123364248 | author-link = Andrzej Trautman| title=Solutions of the Maxwell and Yang–Mills equations associated with Hopf fibrings | year=1977 | journal=] | volume=16 | issue=9|pages=561–565 | doi=10.1007/BF01811088|bibcode = 1977IJTP...16..561T }}.</ref>


==Solutions==
is used, then the Einstein field equations are called the ''Einstein–Maxwell equations'' (with ] Λ, taken to be zero in conventional relativity theory):
{{Main|Solutions of the Einstein field equations}}


The solutions of the Einstein field equations are ] of spacetime. These metrics describe the structure of the spacetime including the inertial motion of objects in the spacetime. As the field equations are non-linear, they cannot always be completely solved (i.e. without making approximations). For example, there is no known complete solution for a spacetime with two massive bodies in it (which is a theoretical model of a binary star system, for example). However, approximations are usually made in these cases. These are commonly referred to as ]s. Even so, there are several cases where the field equations have been solved completely, and those are called exact solutions.<ref name="Stephani et al" />
:<math>R^{\alpha \beta} - {1 \over 2}R g^{\alpha \beta} + g^{\alpha \beta} \Lambda = \frac{8 \pi G}{c^4 \mu_0} \left( F^{\alpha}{}^{\psi} F_{\psi}{}^{\beta} + {1 \over 4} g^{\alpha \beta} F_{\psi\tau} F^{\psi\tau}\right).</math>


The study of exact solutions of Einstein's field equations is one of the activities of ]. It leads to the prediction of ]s and to different models of evolution of the ].
Additionally, the ] are also applicable in free space:


One can also discover new solutions of the Einstein field equations via the method of orthonormal frames as pioneered by Ellis and MacCallum.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Ellis|first1=G. F. R.|last2=MacCallum|first2=M.|s2cid=122577276|title=A class of homogeneous cosmological models|journal=Comm. Math. Phys.|volume=12|issue=2|date=1969|pages=108–141|bibcode=1969CMaPh..12..108E |doi=10.1007/BF01645908|url=http://projecteuclid.org/euclid.cmp/1103841345}}</ref> In this approach, the Einstein field equations are reduced to a set of coupled, nonlinear, ordinary differential equations. As discussed by Hsu and Wainwright,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hsu|first1=L.|last2=Wainwright|first2=J|title=Self-similar spatially homogeneous cosmologies: orthogonal perfect fluid and vacuum solutions|journal=Class. Quantum Grav.|volume=3|date=1986|issue=6|pages=1105–1124|doi=10.1088/0264-9381/3/6/011 |bibcode=1986CQGra...3.1105H|s2cid=250907312 }}</ref> self-similar solutions to the Einstein field equations are fixed points of the resulting ]. New solutions have been discovered using these methods by LeBlanc<ref>{{cite journal|last=LeBlanc|first=V. G.|title=Asymptotic states of magnetic Bianchi I cosmologies|date=1997|journal=Class. Quantum Grav.| volume=14|issue=8 |page=2281 |doi=10.1088/0264-9381/14/8/025|bibcode=1997CQGra..14.2281L|s2cid=250876974 }}</ref> and Kohli and Haslam.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kohli |first1=Ikjyot Singh|last2=Haslam|first2=Michael C.|title=Dynamical systems approach to a Bianchi type I viscous magnetohydrodynamic model|journal=Phys. Rev. D|volume=88|page=063518|date=2013|issue=6|doi=10.1103/physrevd.88.063518| arxiv=1304.8042| bibcode=2013PhRvD..88f3518K|s2cid=119178273}}</ref>
:<math>F^{\alpha\beta}{}_{;\beta} \, = 0</math>


==The linearized EFE==
:<math>F_{}=\frac{1}{3}\left(F_{\alpha\beta;\gamma} + F_{\beta\gamma;\alpha}+F_{\gamma\alpha;\beta}\right) = 0. \!</math>
{{Main|Linearized gravity}}


The nonlinearity of the EFE makes finding exact solutions difficult. One way of solving the field equations is to make an approximation, namely, that far from the source(s) of gravitating matter, the ] is very weak and the ] approximates that of Minkowski space. The metric is then written as the sum of the Minkowski metric and a term representing the deviation of the true metric from the ], ignoring higher-power terms. This linearization procedure can be used to investigate the phenomena of ].
where the semicolon represents a ], and the brackets denote ]. The first equation asserts that the 4-] of the ] ''F'' is zero, and the second that its ] is zero. From the latter, it follows by the ] that in a coordinate chart it is possible to introduce an electromagnetic field potential ''A''<sub>α</sub> such that

:<math>F_{\alpha\beta} = A_{\alpha;\beta} - A_{\beta;\alpha} = A_{\alpha,\beta} - A_{\beta,\alpha}\!</math>

in which the comma denotes a partial derivative. This is often taken as equivalent to the covariant Maxwell equation from which it is derived.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Brown|first=Harvey|url=http://books.google.com/?id=T6IVyWiPQksC&pg=PA164&dq=Maxwell+and+potential+and+%22generally+covariant%22| title=Physical Relativity|page=164|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2005 | isbn=978-0-19-927583-0}}</ref> However, there are global solutions of the equation which may lack a globally defined potential.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1=Trautman | first1=Andrzej | authorlink = Andrzej Trautman|title=Solutions of the Maxwell and Yang-Mills equations associated with hopf fibrings | year=1977 | journal=] | volume=16 | issue=9|pages=561–565 | doi=10.1007/BF01811088|bibcode = 1977IJTP...16..561T }}.</ref>

==Solutions==
{{main|Solutions of the Einstein field equations}}

The solutions of the Einstein field equations are ] of ]. The solutions are hence often called 'metrics'. These metrics describe the structure of the spacetime including the inertial motion of objects in the spacetime. As the field equations are non-linear, they cannot always be completely solved (i.e. without making approximations). For example, there is no known complete solution for a spacetime with two massive bodies in it (which is a theoretical model of a binary star system, for example). However, approximations are usually made in these cases. These are commonly referred to as ]s. Even so, there are numerous cases where the field equations have been solved completely, and those are called ].<ref>{{cite book | last = Stephani | first = Hans | coauthors = D. Kramer, M. MacCallum, C. Hoenselaers and E. Herlt | title = Exact Solutions of Einstein's Field Equations | publisher = ] | year = 2003 | isbn = 0-521-46136-7 }}</ref>

The study of exact solutions of Einstein's field equations is one of the activities of ]. It leads to the prediction of ]s and to different models of evolution of the ].


==Polynomial form==
==The linearised EFE==
Despite the EFE as written containing the inverse of the metric tensor, they can be arranged in a form that contains the metric tensor in polynomial form and without its inverse. First, the determinant of the metric in 4 dimensions can be written
{{Main|Linearized Einstein field equations|Linearized gravity}}
<math display="block">\det(g) = \tfrac{1}{24} \varepsilon^{\alpha\beta\gamma\delta} \varepsilon^{\kappa\lambda\mu\nu} g_{\alpha\kappa} g_{\beta\lambda} g_{\gamma\mu} g_{\delta\nu}</math>
using the ]; and the inverse of the metric in 4 dimensions can be written as:
<math display="block">g^{\alpha\kappa} = \frac{\tfrac{1}{6} \varepsilon^{\alpha\beta\gamma\delta} \varepsilon^{\kappa\lambda\mu\nu} g_{\beta\lambda} g_{\gamma\mu} g_{\delta\nu} }{ \det(g)}\,.</math>


Substituting this expression of the inverse of the metric into the equations then multiplying both sides by a suitable power of {{math|det(''g'')}} to eliminate it from the denominator results in polynomial equations in the metric tensor and its first and second derivatives. The ] from which the equations are derived can also be written in polynomial form by suitable redefinitions of the fields.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Katanaev|first=M. O.|s2cid=6263993|year=2006|title=Polynomial form of the Hilbert–Einstein action|journal=Gen. Rel. Grav.|volume=38|issue=8|pages=1233–1240|arxiv=gr-qc/0507026|doi=10.1007/s10714-006-0310-5 | bibcode=2006GReGr..38.1233K}}</ref>
The nonlinearity of the EFE makes finding exact solutions difficult. One way of solving the field equations is to make an approximation, namely, that far from the source(s) of gravitating matter, the ] is very weak and the ] approximates that of ]. The metric is then written as the sum of the Minkowski metric and a term representing the deviation of the true metric from the ]. This linearisation procedure can be used to discuss the phenomena of ].


== See also == ==See also==
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}} {{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
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== References == ==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
See ]. See ].
*{{cite book|author1-link=Charles Misner|first1=Charles W.|last1=Misner|author2-link=Kip S. Thorne|first2=Kip S.|last2=Thorne |author3-link=John Archibald Wheeler|first3=John Archibald|last3=Wheeler|title=] |location=San Francisco|publisher=]|year=1973|isbn=978-0-7167-0344-0}}
*{{cite book|last=Weinberg|first=Steven|year=1972|title=Gravitation and Cosmology|isbn=0-471-92567-5|publisher=John Wiley & Sons |author-link=Steven Weinberg|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/gravitationcosmo00stev_0}}
*{{cite book|last=Peacock|first=John A.|year=1999|title=Cosmological Physics|url=https://archive.org/details/cosmologicalphys0000peac |url-access=registration|isbn=978-0521410724|publisher=Cambridge University Press|author-link=John A. Peacock}}


==External links==
<references/>
{{Wikibooks | General Relativity}}
{{Wikiversity | General Relativity}}
* {{springer|title=Einstein equations|id=p/e035210}}
* — A simple introduction to Einstein's Field Equations.
* — An explanation of Einstein's field equation, its derivation, and some of its consequences
* by ] Physics Professor Edmund Bertschinger.
* Physics Today November 2015, History of the Development of the Field Equations


===External images===
* Aczel, Amir D., 1999. ''God's Equation: Einstein, Relativity, and the Expanding Universe''. Delta Science. A popular account.
*
* ], ], and ], 1973. '']''. W H Freeman.
*], , Einstein field equation on the side of a train in Bolivia.


{{Einstein}}
== External links ==
{{Relativity}}
* &mdash; A simple introduction to Einstein's Field Equations.
{{Authority control}}
* &mdash; An explanation of Einstein's field equation, its derivation, and some of its consequences
* by ] Physics Professor Edmund Bertschinger.

{{Physics equations navbox}}


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Latest revision as of 15:18, 17 December 2024

Field-equations in general relativity "Einstein equation" redirects here. For the equation E = m c 2 {\displaystyle E=mc^{2}} , see Mass–energy equivalence.

General relativity
Spacetime curvature schematic G μ ν + Λ g μ ν = κ T μ ν {\displaystyle G_{\mu \nu }+\Lambda g_{\mu \nu }={\kappa }T_{\mu \nu }}
Fundamental concepts
Phenomena
Spacetime
  • Equations
  • Formalisms
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Advanced theory
Solutions
Scientists

In the general theory of relativity, the Einstein field equations (EFE; also known as Einstein's equations) relate the geometry of spacetime to the distribution of matter within it.

The equations were published by Albert Einstein in 1915 in the form of a tensor equation which related the local spacetime curvature (expressed by the Einstein tensor) with the local energy, momentum and stress within that spacetime (expressed by the stress–energy tensor).

Analogously to the way that electromagnetic fields are related to the distribution of charges and currents via Maxwell's equations, the EFE relate the spacetime geometry to the distribution of mass–energy, momentum and stress, that is, they determine the metric tensor of spacetime for a given arrangement of stress–energy–momentum in the spacetime. The relationship between the metric tensor and the Einstein tensor allows the EFE to be written as a set of nonlinear partial differential equations when used in this way. The solutions of the EFE are the components of the metric tensor. The inertial trajectories of particles and radiation (geodesics) in the resulting geometry are then calculated using the geodesic equation.

As well as implying local energy–momentum conservation, the EFE reduce to Newton's law of gravitation in the limit of a weak gravitational field and velocities that are much less than the speed of light.

Exact solutions for the EFE can only be found under simplifying assumptions such as symmetry. Special classes of exact solutions are most often studied since they model many gravitational phenomena, such as rotating black holes and the expanding universe. Further simplification is achieved in approximating the spacetime as having only small deviations from flat spacetime, leading to the linearized EFE. These equations are used to study phenomena such as gravitational waves.

Mathematical form

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The Einstein field equations (EFE) may be written in the form:

G μ ν + Λ g μ ν = κ T μ ν {\displaystyle G_{\mu \nu }+\Lambda g_{\mu \nu }=\kappa T_{\mu \nu }}
EFE on a wall in Leiden, Netherlands

where G μ ν {\displaystyle G_{\mu \nu }} is the Einstein tensor, g μ ν {\displaystyle g_{\mu \nu }} is the metric tensor, T μ ν {\displaystyle T_{\mu \nu }} is the stress–energy tensor, Λ {\displaystyle \Lambda } is the cosmological constant and κ {\displaystyle \kappa } is the Einstein gravitational constant.

The Einstein tensor is defined as

G μ ν = R μ ν 1 2 R g μ ν , {\displaystyle G_{\mu \nu }=R_{\mu \nu }-{\frac {1}{2}}Rg_{\mu \nu },}

where R μ ν {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }} is the Ricci curvature tensor, and R {\displaystyle R} is the scalar curvature. This is a symmetric second-degree tensor that depends on only the metric tensor and its first and second derivatives.

The Einstein gravitational constant is defined as

κ = 8 π G c 4 2.07665 × 10 43 N 1 , {\displaystyle \kappa ={\frac {8\pi G}{c^{4}}}\approx 2.07665\times 10^{-43}\,{\textrm {N}}^{-1},} or m/J , {\displaystyle {\textrm {m/J}},}

where G is the Newtonian constant of gravitation and c is the speed of light in vacuum.

The EFE can thus also be written as

R μ ν 1 2 R g μ ν + Λ g μ ν = κ T μ ν . {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }-{\frac {1}{2}}Rg_{\mu \nu }+\Lambda g_{\mu \nu }=\kappa T_{\mu \nu }.}

In standard units, each term on the left has units of 1/length.

The expression on the left represents the curvature of spacetime as determined by the metric; the expression on the right represents the stress–energy–momentum content of spacetime. The EFE can then be interpreted as a set of equations dictating how stress–energy–momentum determines the curvature of spacetime.

These equations, together with the geodesic equation, which dictates how freely falling matter moves through spacetime, form the core of the mathematical formulation of general relativity.

The EFE is a tensor equation relating a set of symmetric 4 × 4 tensors. Each tensor has 10 independent components. The four Bianchi identities reduce the number of independent equations from 10 to 6, leaving the metric with four gauge-fixing degrees of freedom, which correspond to the freedom to choose a coordinate system.

Although the Einstein field equations were initially formulated in the context of a four-dimensional theory, some theorists have explored their consequences in n dimensions. The equations in contexts outside of general relativity are still referred to as the Einstein field equations. The vacuum field equations (obtained when Tμν is everywhere zero) define Einstein manifolds.

The equations are more complex than they appear. Given a specified distribution of matter and energy in the form of a stress–energy tensor, the EFE are understood to be equations for the metric tensor g μ ν {\displaystyle g_{\mu \nu }} , since both the Ricci tensor and scalar curvature depend on the metric in a complicated nonlinear manner. When fully written out, the EFE are a system of ten coupled, nonlinear, hyperbolic-elliptic partial differential equations.

Sign convention

The above form of the EFE is the standard established by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler (MTW). The authors analyzed conventions that exist and classified these according to three signs ( ):

g μ ν = [ S 1 ] × diag ( 1 , + 1 , + 1 , + 1 ) R μ α β γ = [ S 2 ] × ( Γ α γ , β μ Γ α β , γ μ + Γ σ β μ Γ γ α σ Γ σ γ μ Γ β α σ ) G μ ν = [ S 3 ] × κ T μ ν {\displaystyle {\begin{aligned}g_{\mu \nu }&=\times \operatorname {diag} (-1,+1,+1,+1)\\{R^{\mu }}_{\alpha \beta \gamma }&=\times \left(\Gamma _{\alpha \gamma ,\beta }^{\mu }-\Gamma _{\alpha \beta ,\gamma }^{\mu }+\Gamma _{\sigma \beta }^{\mu }\Gamma _{\gamma \alpha }^{\sigma }-\Gamma _{\sigma \gamma }^{\mu }\Gamma _{\beta \alpha }^{\sigma }\right)\\G_{\mu \nu }&=\times \kappa T_{\mu \nu }\end{aligned}}}

The third sign above is related to the choice of convention for the Ricci tensor: R μ ν = [ S 2 ] × [ S 3 ] × R α μ α ν {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }=\times \times {R^{\alpha }}_{\mu \alpha \nu }}

With these definitions Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler classify themselves as (+ + +), whereas Weinberg (1972) is (+ − −), Peebles (1980) and Efstathiou et al. (1990) are (− + +), Rindler (1977), Atwater (1974), Collins Martin & Squires (1989) and Peacock (1999) are (− + −).

Authors including Einstein have used a different sign in their definition for the Ricci tensor which results in the sign of the constant on the right side being negative: R μ ν 1 2 R g μ ν Λ g μ ν = κ T μ ν . {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }-{\frac {1}{2}}Rg_{\mu \nu }-\Lambda g_{\mu \nu }=-\kappa T_{\mu \nu }.}

The sign of the cosmological term would change in both these versions if the (+ − − −) metric sign convention is used rather than the MTW (− + + +) metric sign convention adopted here.

Equivalent formulations

Taking the trace with respect to the metric of both sides of the EFE one gets R D 2 R + D Λ = κ T , {\displaystyle R-{\frac {D}{2}}R+D\Lambda =\kappa T,} where D is the spacetime dimension. Solving for R and substituting this in the original EFE, one gets the following equivalent "trace-reversed" form: R μ ν 2 D 2 Λ g μ ν = κ ( T μ ν 1 D 2 T g μ ν ) . {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }-{\frac {2}{D-2}}\Lambda g_{\mu \nu }=\kappa \left(T_{\mu \nu }-{\frac {1}{D-2}}Tg_{\mu \nu }\right).}

In D = 4 dimensions this reduces to R μ ν Λ g μ ν = κ ( T μ ν 1 2 T g μ ν ) . {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }-\Lambda g_{\mu \nu }=\kappa \left(T_{\mu \nu }-{\frac {1}{2}}T\,g_{\mu \nu }\right).}

Reversing the trace again would restore the original EFE. The trace-reversed form may be more convenient in some cases (for example, when one is interested in weak-field limit and can replace g μ ν {\displaystyle g_{\mu \nu }} in the expression on the right with the Minkowski metric without significant loss of accuracy).

The cosmological constant

Main article: Cosmological constant

In the Einstein field equations G μ ν + Λ g μ ν = κ T μ ν , {\displaystyle G_{\mu \nu }+\Lambda g_{\mu \nu }=\kappa T_{\mu \nu }\,,} the term containing the cosmological constant Λ was absent from the version in which he originally published them. Einstein then included the term with the cosmological constant to allow for a universe that is not expanding or contracting. This effort was unsuccessful because:

  • any desired steady state solution described by this equation is unstable, and
  • observations by Edwin Hubble showed that our universe is expanding.

Einstein then abandoned Λ, remarking to George Gamow "that the introduction of the cosmological term was the biggest blunder of his life".

The inclusion of this term does not create inconsistencies. For many years the cosmological constant was almost universally assumed to be zero. More recent astronomical observations have shown an accelerating expansion of the universe, and to explain this a positive value of Λ is needed. The effect of the cosmological constant is negligible at the scale of a galaxy or smaller.

Einstein thought of the cosmological constant as an independent parameter, but its term in the field equation can also be moved algebraically to the other side and incorporated as part of the stress–energy tensor: T μ ν ( v a c ) = Λ κ g μ ν . {\displaystyle T_{\mu \nu }^{\mathrm {(vac)} }=-{\frac {\Lambda }{\kappa }}g_{\mu \nu }\,.}

This tensor describes a vacuum state with an energy density ρvac and isotropic pressure pvac that are fixed constants and given by ρ v a c = p v a c = Λ κ , {\displaystyle \rho _{\mathrm {vac} }=-p_{\mathrm {vac} }={\frac {\Lambda }{\kappa }},} where it is assumed that Λ has SI unit m and κ is defined as above.

The existence of a cosmological constant is thus equivalent to the existence of a vacuum energy and a pressure of opposite sign. This has led to the terms "cosmological constant" and "vacuum energy" being used interchangeably in general relativity.

Features

Conservation of energy and momentum

General relativity is consistent with the local conservation of energy and momentum expressed as

β T α β = T α β ; β = 0. {\displaystyle \nabla _{\beta }T^{\alpha \beta }={T^{\alpha \beta }}_{;\beta }=0.}

Derivation of local energy–momentum conservation

Contracting the differential Bianchi identity R α β [ γ δ ; ε ] = 0 {\displaystyle R_{\alpha \beta }=0} with g gives, using the fact that the metric tensor is covariantly constant, i.e. g = 0, R γ β γ δ ; ε + R γ β ε γ ; δ + R γ β δ ε ; γ = 0 {\displaystyle {R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \gamma \delta ;\varepsilon }+{R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \varepsilon \gamma ;\delta }+{R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \delta \varepsilon ;\gamma }=0}

The antisymmetry of the Riemann tensor allows the second term in the above expression to be rewritten:

R γ β γ δ ; ε R γ β γ ε ; δ + R γ β δ ε ; γ = 0 {\displaystyle {R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \gamma \delta ;\varepsilon }-{R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \gamma \varepsilon ;\delta }+{R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \delta \varepsilon ;\gamma }=0} which is equivalent to R β δ ; ε R β ε ; δ + R γ β δ ε ; γ = 0 {\displaystyle R_{\beta \delta ;\varepsilon }-R_{\beta \varepsilon ;\delta }+{R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \delta \varepsilon ;\gamma }=0} using the definition of the Ricci tensor.

Next, contract again with the metric g β δ ( R β δ ; ε R β ε ; δ + R γ β δ ε ; γ ) = 0 {\displaystyle g^{\beta \delta }\left(R_{\beta \delta ;\varepsilon }-R_{\beta \varepsilon ;\delta }+{R^{\gamma }}_{\beta \delta \varepsilon ;\gamma }\right)=0} to get R δ δ ; ε R δ ε ; δ + R γ δ δ ε ; γ = 0 {\displaystyle {R^{\delta }}_{\delta ;\varepsilon }-{R^{\delta }}_{\varepsilon ;\delta }+{R^{\gamma \delta }}_{\delta \varepsilon ;\gamma }=0}

The definitions of the Ricci curvature tensor and the scalar curvature then show that R ; ε 2 R γ ε ; γ = 0 {\displaystyle R_{;\varepsilon }-2{R^{\gamma }}_{\varepsilon ;\gamma }=0} which can be rewritten as ( R γ ε 1 2 g γ ε R ) ; γ = 0 {\displaystyle \left({R^{\gamma }}_{\varepsilon }-{\tfrac {1}{2}}{g^{\gamma }}_{\varepsilon }R\right)_{;\gamma }=0}

A final contraction with g gives ( R γ δ 1 2 g γ δ R ) ; γ = 0 {\displaystyle \left(R^{\gamma \delta }-{\tfrac {1}{2}}g^{\gamma \delta }R\right)_{;\gamma }=0} which by the symmetry of the bracketed term and the definition of the Einstein tensor, gives, after relabelling the indices, G α β ; β = 0 {\displaystyle {G^{\alpha \beta }}_{;\beta }=0}

Using the EFE, this immediately gives, β T α β = T α β ; β = 0 {\displaystyle \nabla _{\beta }T^{\alpha \beta }={T^{\alpha \beta }}_{;\beta }=0}

which expresses the local conservation of stress–energy. This conservation law is a physical requirement. With his field equations Einstein ensured that general relativity is consistent with this conservation condition.

Nonlinearity

The nonlinearity of the EFE distinguishes general relativity from many other fundamental physical theories. For example, Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism are linear in the electric and magnetic fields, and charge and current distributions (i.e. the sum of two solutions is also a solution); another example is Schrödinger's equation of quantum mechanics, which is linear in the wavefunction.

The correspondence principle

The EFE reduce to Newton's law of gravity by using both the weak-field approximation and the slow-motion approximation. In fact, the constant G appearing in the EFE is determined by making these two approximations.

Derivation of Newton's law of gravity

Newtonian gravitation can be written as the theory of a scalar field, Φ, which is the gravitational potential in joules per kilogram of the gravitational field g = −∇Φ, see Gauss's law for gravity 2 Φ ( x , t ) = 4 π G ρ ( x , t ) {\displaystyle \nabla ^{2}\Phi \left({\vec {x}},t\right)=4\pi G\rho \left({\vec {x}},t\right)} where ρ is the mass density. The orbit of a free-falling particle satisfies x ¨ ( t ) = g = Φ ( x ( t ) , t ) . {\displaystyle {\ddot {\vec {x}}}(t)={\vec {g}}=-\nabla \Phi \left({\vec {x}}(t),t\right)\,.}

In tensor notation, these become Φ , i i = 4 π G ρ d 2 x i d t 2 = Φ , i . {\displaystyle {\begin{aligned}\Phi _{,ii}&=4\pi G\rho \\{\frac {d^{2}x^{i}}{dt^{2}}}&=-\Phi _{,i}\,.\end{aligned}}}

In general relativity, these equations are replaced by the Einstein field equations in the trace-reversed form R μ ν = K ( T μ ν 1 2 T g μ ν ) {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }=K\left(T_{\mu \nu }-{\tfrac {1}{2}}Tg_{\mu \nu }\right)} for some constant, K, and the geodesic equation d 2 x α d τ 2 = Γ β γ α d x β d τ d x γ d τ . {\displaystyle {\frac {d^{2}x^{\alpha }}{d\tau ^{2}}}=-\Gamma _{\beta \gamma }^{\alpha }{\frac {dx^{\beta }}{d\tau }}{\frac {dx^{\gamma }}{d\tau }}\,.}

To see how the latter reduces to the former, we assume that the test particle's velocity is approximately zero d x β d τ ( d t d τ , 0 , 0 , 0 ) {\displaystyle {\frac {dx^{\beta }}{d\tau }}\approx \left({\frac {dt}{d\tau }},0,0,0\right)} and thus d d t ( d t d τ ) 0 {\displaystyle {\frac {d}{dt}}\left({\frac {dt}{d\tau }}\right)\approx 0} and that the metric and its derivatives are approximately static and that the squares of deviations from the Minkowski metric are negligible. Applying these simplifying assumptions to the spatial components of the geodesic equation gives d 2 x i d t 2 Γ 00 i {\displaystyle {\frac {d^{2}x^{i}}{dt^{2}}}\approx -\Gamma _{00}^{i}} where two factors of ⁠dt/⁠ have been divided out. This will reduce to its Newtonian counterpart, provided Φ , i Γ 00 i = 1 2 g i α ( g α 0 , 0 + g 0 α , 0 g 00 , α ) . {\displaystyle \Phi _{,i}\approx \Gamma _{00}^{i}={\tfrac {1}{2}}g^{i\alpha }\left(g_{\alpha 0,0}+g_{0\alpha ,0}-g_{00,\alpha }\right)\,.}

Our assumptions force α = i and the time (0) derivatives to be zero. So this simplifies to 2 Φ , i g i j ( g 00 , j ) g 00 , i {\displaystyle 2\Phi _{,i}\approx g^{ij}\left(-g_{00,j}\right)\approx -g_{00,i}\,} which is satisfied by letting g 00 c 2 2 Φ . {\displaystyle g_{00}\approx -c^{2}-2\Phi \,.}

Turning to the Einstein equations, we only need the time-time component R 00 = K ( T 00 1 2 T g 00 ) {\displaystyle R_{00}=K\left(T_{00}-{\tfrac {1}{2}}Tg_{00}\right)} the low speed and static field assumptions imply that T μ ν diag ( T 00 , 0 , 0 , 0 ) diag ( ρ c 4 , 0 , 0 , 0 ) . {\displaystyle T_{\mu \nu }\approx \operatorname {diag} \left(T_{00},0,0,0\right)\approx \operatorname {diag} \left(\rho c^{4},0,0,0\right)\,.}

So T = g α β T α β g 00 T 00 1 c 2 ρ c 4 = ρ c 2 {\displaystyle T=g^{\alpha \beta }T_{\alpha \beta }\approx g^{00}T_{00}\approx -{\frac {1}{c^{2}}}\rho c^{4}=-\rho c^{2}\,} and thus K ( T 00 1 2 T g 00 ) K ( ρ c 4 1 2 ( ρ c 2 ) ( c 2 ) ) = 1 2 K ρ c 4 . {\displaystyle K\left(T_{00}-{\tfrac {1}{2}}Tg_{00}\right)\approx K\left(\rho c^{4}-{\tfrac {1}{2}}\left(-\rho c^{2}\right)\left(-c^{2}\right)\right)={\tfrac {1}{2}}K\rho c^{4}\,.}

From the definition of the Ricci tensor R 00 = Γ 00 , ρ ρ Γ ρ 0 , 0 ρ + Γ ρ λ ρ Γ 00 λ Γ 0 λ ρ Γ ρ 0 λ . {\displaystyle R_{00}=\Gamma _{00,\rho }^{\rho }-\Gamma _{\rho 0,0}^{\rho }+\Gamma _{\rho \lambda }^{\rho }\Gamma _{00}^{\lambda }-\Gamma _{0\lambda }^{\rho }\Gamma _{\rho 0}^{\lambda }.}

Our simplifying assumptions make the squares of Γ disappear together with the time derivatives R 00 Γ 00 , i i . {\displaystyle R_{00}\approx \Gamma _{00,i}^{i}\,.}

Combining the above equations together Φ , i i Γ 00 , i i R 00 = K ( T 00 1 2 T g 00 ) 1 2 K ρ c 4 {\displaystyle \Phi _{,ii}\approx \Gamma _{00,i}^{i}\approx R_{00}=K\left(T_{00}-{\tfrac {1}{2}}Tg_{00}\right)\approx {\tfrac {1}{2}}K\rho c^{4}} which reduces to the Newtonian field equation provided 1 2 K ρ c 4 = 4 π G ρ {\displaystyle {\tfrac {1}{2}}K\rho c^{4}=4\pi G\rho \,} which will occur if K = 8 π G c 4 . {\displaystyle K={\frac {8\pi G}{c^{4}}}\,.}

Vacuum field equations

A Swiss commemorative coin from 1979, showing the vacuum field equations with zero cosmological constant (top).

If the energy–momentum tensor Tμν is zero in the region under consideration, then the field equations are also referred to as the vacuum field equations. By setting Tμν = 0 in the trace-reversed field equations, the vacuum field equations, also known as 'Einstein vacuum equations' (EVE), can be written as R μ ν = 0 . {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }=0\,.}

In the case of nonzero cosmological constant, the equations are R μ ν = Λ D 2 1 g μ ν . {\displaystyle R_{\mu \nu }={\frac {\Lambda }{{\frac {D}{2}}-1}}g_{\mu \nu }\,.}

The solutions to the vacuum field equations are called vacuum solutions. Flat Minkowski space is the simplest example of a vacuum solution. Nontrivial examples include the Schwarzschild solution and the Kerr solution.

Manifolds with a vanishing Ricci tensor, Rμν = 0, are referred to as Ricci-flat manifolds and manifolds with a Ricci tensor proportional to the metric as Einstein manifolds.

Einstein–Maxwell equations

See also: Maxwell's equations in curved spacetime

If the energy–momentum tensor Tμν is that of an electromagnetic field in free space, i.e. if the electromagnetic stress–energy tensor T α β = 1 μ 0 ( F α ψ F ψ β + 1 4 g α β F ψ τ F ψ τ ) {\displaystyle T^{\alpha \beta }=\,-{\frac {1}{\mu _{0}}}\left({F^{\alpha }}^{\psi }{F_{\psi }}^{\beta }+{\tfrac {1}{4}}g^{\alpha \beta }F_{\psi \tau }F^{\psi \tau }\right)} is used, then the Einstein field equations are called the Einstein–Maxwell equations (with cosmological constant Λ, taken to be zero in conventional relativity theory): G α β + Λ g α β = κ μ 0 ( F α ψ F ψ β + 1 4 g α β F ψ τ F ψ τ ) . {\displaystyle G^{\alpha \beta }+\Lambda g^{\alpha \beta }={\frac {\kappa }{\mu _{0}}}\left({F^{\alpha }}^{\psi }{F_{\psi }}^{\beta }+{\tfrac {1}{4}}g^{\alpha \beta }F_{\psi \tau }F^{\psi \tau }\right).}

Additionally, the covariant Maxwell equations are also applicable in free space: F α β ; β = 0 F [ α β ; γ ] = 1 3 ( F α β ; γ + F β γ ; α + F γ α ; β ) = 1 3 ( F α β , γ + F β γ , α + F γ α , β ) = 0. {\displaystyle {\begin{aligned}{F^{\alpha \beta }}_{;\beta }&=0\\F_{}&={\tfrac {1}{3}}\left(F_{\alpha \beta ;\gamma }+F_{\beta \gamma ;\alpha }+F_{\gamma \alpha ;\beta }\right)={\tfrac {1}{3}}\left(F_{\alpha \beta ,\gamma }+F_{\beta \gamma ,\alpha }+F_{\gamma \alpha ,\beta }\right)=0.\end{aligned}}} where the semicolon represents a covariant derivative, and the brackets denote anti-symmetrization. The first equation asserts that the 4-divergence of the 2-form F is zero, and the second that its exterior derivative is zero. From the latter, it follows by the Poincaré lemma that in a coordinate chart it is possible to introduce an electromagnetic field potential Aα such that F α β = A α ; β A β ; α = A α , β A β , α {\displaystyle F_{\alpha \beta }=A_{\alpha ;\beta }-A_{\beta ;\alpha }=A_{\alpha ,\beta }-A_{\beta ,\alpha }} in which the comma denotes a partial derivative. This is often taken as equivalent to the covariant Maxwell equation from which it is derived. However, there are global solutions of the equation that may lack a globally defined potential.

Solutions

Main article: Solutions of the Einstein field equations

The solutions of the Einstein field equations are metrics of spacetime. These metrics describe the structure of the spacetime including the inertial motion of objects in the spacetime. As the field equations are non-linear, they cannot always be completely solved (i.e. without making approximations). For example, there is no known complete solution for a spacetime with two massive bodies in it (which is a theoretical model of a binary star system, for example). However, approximations are usually made in these cases. These are commonly referred to as post-Newtonian approximations. Even so, there are several cases where the field equations have been solved completely, and those are called exact solutions.

The study of exact solutions of Einstein's field equations is one of the activities of cosmology. It leads to the prediction of black holes and to different models of evolution of the universe.

One can also discover new solutions of the Einstein field equations via the method of orthonormal frames as pioneered by Ellis and MacCallum. In this approach, the Einstein field equations are reduced to a set of coupled, nonlinear, ordinary differential equations. As discussed by Hsu and Wainwright, self-similar solutions to the Einstein field equations are fixed points of the resulting dynamical system. New solutions have been discovered using these methods by LeBlanc and Kohli and Haslam.

The linearized EFE

Main article: Linearized gravity

The nonlinearity of the EFE makes finding exact solutions difficult. One way of solving the field equations is to make an approximation, namely, that far from the source(s) of gravitating matter, the gravitational field is very weak and the spacetime approximates that of Minkowski space. The metric is then written as the sum of the Minkowski metric and a term representing the deviation of the true metric from the Minkowski metric, ignoring higher-power terms. This linearization procedure can be used to investigate the phenomena of gravitational radiation.

Polynomial form

Despite the EFE as written containing the inverse of the metric tensor, they can be arranged in a form that contains the metric tensor in polynomial form and without its inverse. First, the determinant of the metric in 4 dimensions can be written det ( g ) = 1 24 ε α β γ δ ε κ λ μ ν g α κ g β λ g γ μ g δ ν {\displaystyle \det(g)={\tfrac {1}{24}}\varepsilon ^{\alpha \beta \gamma \delta }\varepsilon ^{\kappa \lambda \mu \nu }g_{\alpha \kappa }g_{\beta \lambda }g_{\gamma \mu }g_{\delta \nu }} using the Levi-Civita symbol; and the inverse of the metric in 4 dimensions can be written as: g α κ = 1 6 ε α β γ δ ε κ λ μ ν g β λ g γ μ g δ ν det ( g ) . {\displaystyle g^{\alpha \kappa }={\frac {{\tfrac {1}{6}}\varepsilon ^{\alpha \beta \gamma \delta }\varepsilon ^{\kappa \lambda \mu \nu }g_{\beta \lambda }g_{\gamma \mu }g_{\delta \nu }}{\det(g)}}\,.}

Substituting this expression of the inverse of the metric into the equations then multiplying both sides by a suitable power of det(g) to eliminate it from the denominator results in polynomial equations in the metric tensor and its first and second derivatives. The Einstein-Hilbert action from which the equations are derived can also be written in polynomial form by suitable redefinitions of the fields.

See also

Notes

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  2. Einstein, Albert (November 25, 1915). "Die Feldgleichungen der Gravitation". Sitzungsberichte der Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin: 844–847. Retrieved 2017-08-21.
  3. Misner, Thorne & Wheeler (1973), p. 916 .
  4. Carroll, Sean (2004). Spacetime and Geometry – An Introduction to General Relativity. Addison Wesley. pp. 151–159. ISBN 0-8053-8732-3.
  5. Grøn, Øyvind; Hervik, Sigbjorn (2007). Einstein's General Theory of Relativity: With Modern Applications in Cosmology (illustrated ed.). Springer Science & Business Media. p. 180. ISBN 978-0-387-69200-5.
  6. With the choice of the Einstein gravitational constant as given here, κ = 8πG/c, the stress–energy tensor on the right side of the equation must be written with each component in units of energy density (i.e., energy per volume, equivalently pressure). In Einstein's original publication, the choice is κ = 8πG/c, in which case the stress–energy tensor components have units of mass density.
  7. Adler, Ronald; Bazin, Maurice; Schiffer, Menahem (1975). Introduction to general relativity (2d ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-000423-4. OCLC 1046135.
  8. Weinberg, Steven (1993). Dreams of a Final Theory: the search for the fundamental laws of nature. Vintage Press. pp. 107, 233. ISBN 0-09-922391-0.
  9. ^ Stephani, Hans; Kramer, D.; MacCallum, M.; Hoenselaers, C.; Herlt, E. (2003). Exact Solutions of Einstein's Field Equations. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-46136-7.
  10. Rendall, Alan D. (2005). "Theorems on Existence and Global Dynamics for the Einstein Equations". Living Rev. Relativ. 8 (1). Article number: 6. arXiv:gr-qc/0505133. Bibcode:2005LRR.....8....6R. doi:10.12942/lrr-2005-6. PMC 5256071. PMID 28179868.
  11. Misner, Thorne & Wheeler (1973), p. 501ff.
  12. Weinberg (1972).
  13. Peebles, Phillip James Edwin (1980). The Large-scale Structure of the Universe. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0-691-08239-1.
  14. Efstathiou, G.; Sutherland, W. J.; Maddox, S. J. (1990). "The cosmological constant and cold dark matter". Nature. 348 (6303): 705. Bibcode:1990Natur.348..705E. doi:10.1038/348705a0. S2CID 12988317.
  15. Collins, P. D. B.; Martin, A. D.; Squires, E. J. (1989). Particle Physics and Cosmology. New York: Wiley. ISBN 0-471-60088-1.
  16. Peacock (1999).
  17. Gamow, George (April 28, 1970). My World Line : An Informal Autobiography. Viking Adult. ISBN 0-670-50376-2. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
  18. Wahl, Nicolle (2005-11-22). "Was Einstein's 'biggest blunder' a stellar success?". News@UofT. University of Toronto. Archived from the original on 2007-03-07.
  19. Turner, Michael S. (May 2001). "Making Sense of the New Cosmology". Int. J. Mod. Phys. A. 17 (S1): 180–196. arXiv:astro-ph/0202008. Bibcode:2002IJMPA..17S.180T. doi:10.1142/S0217751X02013113. S2CID 16669258.
  20. Brown, Harvey (2005). Physical Relativity. Oxford University Press. p. 164. ISBN 978-0-19-927583-0.
  21. Trautman, Andrzej (1977). "Solutions of the Maxwell and Yang–Mills equations associated with Hopf fibrings". International Journal of Theoretical Physics. 16 (9): 561–565. Bibcode:1977IJTP...16..561T. doi:10.1007/BF01811088. S2CID 123364248..
  22. Ellis, G. F. R.; MacCallum, M. (1969). "A class of homogeneous cosmological models". Comm. Math. Phys. 12 (2): 108–141. Bibcode:1969CMaPh..12..108E. doi:10.1007/BF01645908. S2CID 122577276.
  23. Hsu, L.; Wainwright, J (1986). "Self-similar spatially homogeneous cosmologies: orthogonal perfect fluid and vacuum solutions". Class. Quantum Grav. 3 (6): 1105–1124. Bibcode:1986CQGra...3.1105H. doi:10.1088/0264-9381/3/6/011. S2CID 250907312.
  24. LeBlanc, V. G. (1997). "Asymptotic states of magnetic Bianchi I cosmologies". Class. Quantum Grav. 14 (8): 2281. Bibcode:1997CQGra..14.2281L. doi:10.1088/0264-9381/14/8/025. S2CID 250876974.
  25. Kohli, Ikjyot Singh; Haslam, Michael C. (2013). "Dynamical systems approach to a Bianchi type I viscous magnetohydrodynamic model". Phys. Rev. D. 88 (6): 063518. arXiv:1304.8042. Bibcode:2013PhRvD..88f3518K. doi:10.1103/physrevd.88.063518. S2CID 119178273.
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