MISN-0-477

WEAK-FIELD APPROXIMATION AND GRAVITATIONAL WAVES WEAK-FIELD APPROXIMATION AND GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
by C. P. Frahm

Relativity
Project PHYSNET Physics Bldg. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

ID Sheet: MISN-0-477 THIS IS A DEVELOPMENTAL-STAGE PUBLICATION OF PROJECT PHYSNET The goal of our project is to assist a network of educators and scientists in transferring physics from one person to another. We support manuscript processing and distribution, along with communication and information systems. We also work with employers to identify basic scientic skills as well as physics topics that are needed in science and technology. A number of our publications are aimed at assisting users in acquiring such skills. Our publications are designed: (i) to be updated quickly in response to eld tests and new scientic developments; (ii) to be used in both classroom and professional settings; (iii) to show the prerequisite dependencies existing among the various chunks of physics knowledge and skill, as a guide both to mental organization and to use of the materials; and (iv) to be adapted quickly to specic user needs ranging from single-skill instruction to complete custom textbooks. New authors, reviewers and eld testers are welcome. PROJECT STAFF Andrew Schnepp Eugene Kales Peter Signell Webmaster Graphics Project Director

Title: Weak-Field Approximation and Gravitational Waves Author: C. P. Frahm, Dept. of Physics, Illinois State Univ. Version: 2/1/2000 Length: 2 hr; 8 pages Input Skills: 1. Unknown: assume (MISN-0-476). Output Skills (Knowledge): K1. Identify a certain part of the metric tensor with the Newtonian potential by taking the weak-eld approximation of the geodesic equations. K2. Obtain in harmonic coordinates the linearized (weak-eld) approximation of Einsteins eld equations. K3. Relate the constant K in Einsteins eld equations with Newtons gravitational constant. K4. Dene or explain each of the following: (a) primary motivation which led Einstein to the general theory of relativity, (b) inertial mass and gravitational mass, (c) active and passive gravitational mass, (d) weak, semi-strong and strong equivalence principles, (e) local inertial frame, and the dependence of a frames extension upon the desired degree of accuracy (f) special relativity as a local theory, (g) bending of light and the gravitational Doppler shift as qualitative consequences of the equivalence principle. K2. Dene or explain: (a) Riemannian space and metric, (b) indenite metric and signature, (c) geodesics, (d) geodesic separation (dene and derive formula for), (e) curvature (for 2-dim and n-dim surfaces), (f) geodesic deviation, (g) isometric spaces. K3. Outline the basic scheme of general relativity with special emphasis on the roles played by the equivalence principle, by geodesics and by masses. K4. Derive expressions for (a) the gravitational Doppler shift (and time dilation), (b) the spacetime metric around a spherical mass. External Resources (Required): 1. W. Rindler, Essential Relativity, van Nostrand (1977). Evaluation: Stage B0

ADVISORY COMMITTEE D. Alan Bromley E. Leonard Jossem A. A. Strassenburg Yale University The Ohio State University S. U. N. Y., Stony Brook

Views expressed in a module are those of the module author(s) and are not necessarily those of other project participants. c 2001, Peter Signell for Project PHYSNET, Physics-Astronomy Bldg., Mich. State Univ., E. Lansing, MI 48824; (517) 355-3784. For our liberal use policies see: http://www.physnet.org/home/modules/license.html.

MISN-0-477

MISN-0-477

or equivalently WEAK-FIELD APPROXIMATION AND GRAVITATIONAL WAVES

by C. P. Frahm

0 0 = 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 and S = 0 0 0 2 0 0

1 0 0 0

0 1 0 0

0 0 1 0

0 0 0 1

1. Introduction
Einsteins Field equations, discussed in the previous unit, are highly non-linear and hence dicult to handle in general. However, if the eld is weak (in the Newtonian sense) then it is natural to expect that the eld equations can be adequately approximated by a set of linear equations which are much easier to work with. This, in fact, is the case as will be demonstrated in this unit. Furthermore, it will be found that this linear approximation has the form of a wave equation and hence predicts the existence of gravitational waves. Finally, if the system is static (rather than dynamic as in the case of wave motion) it will be seen that the linearized (weak-eld) equations reduce to Poissons equation thereby permitting an identication of the constant k in Einsteins eld equations.

Exercise - a. Use the preceding result to show that for a static distribution of dust 2 hoo = k0 b. Then by comparing with Poissons equation (Rindlers eq. 8.28) and using the result of the exercise in procedure 1 of this unit show that k = 8G

Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank Illinois State University for support in the construction of this lesson. Preparation of this module was supported in part by the National Science Foundation, Division of Science Education Development and Research, through Grant #SED 74-20088 to Michigan State University.

2. Procedures
1. Read section 4 on pp. 77-79 of Weinberg. Exercise - Fill in any missing details in the analysis leading from the geodesic equations to eq. 3. 4. 5 in Weinberg. Note - Weinberg uses a signature (1, 1, 1, 1) so that you should obtain goo = 1 + 2 2. Read pp. 251-255 of Weinberg. (For the purposes of this unit it is probably best to omit the material beginning just after eq. 10. 1. 6 and extending through the next paragraph). Note - Weinbergs T is the same as Rindlers T . Also Weinberg has already identied k with 8G. You should not make that identication yet. Stick with k for the time being. Your result for eq. 10. 1. 10 should thus read P2 h = 2kS 3. Exercise - Assume a static distribution of dust and show that
T = 0 0 0 and S = 0 (0 0 1/2 )