Difference between Schwarzschild metric and Gravity well.

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between the geometry deformations of space-time described by the Schwarzschild metric and Flamm's paraboloid. The speaker is asking for clarification on which one accurately describes the deformation of space-time due to gravity and if there are any formulas to determine the shape of this deformation. The response explains that the Schwarzschild solution is a better description for spherically symmetric distributions, while Flamm's paraboloid only describes a two-dimensional submanifold. It also mentions that a gravitational potential well is only a valid description for weak gravitational fields.
  • #1
Victor Escudero
I would like to know the difference between this two concepts, specially the difference between the geometry deformations of space-time that they descript. As far as I know the Schawrzschild metric can be represent by Flamm’s paraboloid, but this shape is not the same that the deformation of space-time descripted by the Gravity well. So I would like to know the difference, which one describes exactly de deformation of space-time due to the gravity and if there exist any formulas that can give us the shape of this deformation.
 
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  • #2
It is unclear what you mean by "gravity well". Do you refer to a well in the gravitational potential? In that case it is only a valid description for very weak gravitational fields and the Schwarzschild solution is a better description (assuming that you want a spherically symmetric distribution) outside of the matter distribution.

Flamm's paraboloid only describes a particular space-like two-dimensional submanifold of the Schwarzschild space-time so neither it nor a gravitational potential well describes the geometry of 4D space-time very well.
 

Related to Difference between Schwarzschild metric and Gravity well.

1. What is a Schwarzschild metric?

A Schwarzschild metric is a mathematical representation of the curvature of spacetime around a non-rotating, spherically symmetric massive object. It describes the gravity field outside the event horizon of a black hole.

2. What is a gravity well?

A gravity well is a visual representation of the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of a massive object. It is often depicted as a funnel-shaped depression in space, with the object at the bottom and the curvature increasing as you descend deeper into the well.

3. How are Schwarzschild metric and gravity well related?

The Schwarzschild metric is used to calculate the curvature of spacetime in a gravity well. The metric is a mathematical tool that helps us understand the effects of gravity on the fabric of space, while the gravity well is a visual representation of this curvature.

4. What are the main differences between the Schwarzschild metric and a gravity well?

The Schwarzschild metric is a precise mathematical representation of the gravitational effects of a massive object, while a gravity well is a simplified visual representation of this curvature. Additionally, the Schwarzschild metric is used in advanced calculations and predictions, while a gravity well is often used in educational materials and illustrations.

5. Can the Schwarzschild metric and gravity well be used interchangeably?

No, they cannot be used interchangeably. The Schwarzschild metric is a mathematical tool used in advanced calculations and predictions, while a gravity well is a simplified visual representation. While they are related, they serve different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably.

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