GR: Local Inertial Frame & Poincare Invariance

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of defining a local inertial frame that is Poincare invariant in general relativity. It is mentioned that every manifold is locally flat and that coordinates can be chosen to be almost pseudoeuclidean, but it is unclear in what sense these coordinates might be Poincare invariant. It is also noted that the definition of "local" is important in this context and that in non-flat spacetimes, inertial frames may only be considered approximately inertial or valid for the size of a point.
  • #1
paweld
255
0
Is it possible to deifine local inertial frame which is Poincare invariant (in general relativity)
(every manifold is locally flat, so we can chose coordinates which are
almost pseudoeuclidean, but in what sense they might be Poincare invariant)
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
paweld said:
Is it possible to deifine local inertial frame which is Poincare invariant (in general relativity)
(every manifold is locally flat, so we can chose coordinates which are
almost pseudoeuclidean, but in what sense they might be Poincare invariant)
Thanks.
That hinges on how you want to define local.

Strictly speaking in a non-flat spacetime there are no inertial frames unless you consider a frame inertial when the frame is approximately inertial or when the frame is valid for the size of a point.

As far as I know there is no solution for a curved and necessarily static spacetime that contains a region with a Riemann flat 4D hypervolume extending the 'size' of a point.
 

Related to GR: Local Inertial Frame & Poincare Invariance

1. What is a local inertial frame?

A local inertial frame is a coordinate system in which the laws of physics take on their simplest form. In this frame, objects at rest remain at rest and objects in motion continue to move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. This frame is used to describe the behavior of objects in the absence of any external forces.

2. What is Poincare invariance?

Poincare invariance is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the laws of physics should remain the same regardless of the observer's inertial frame of reference. This means that the laws of physics should be invariant under translations, rotations, and boosts (changes in velocity). It is a key concept in both classical and modern physics.

3. How are local inertial frames and Poincare invariance related?

Local inertial frames are directly related to Poincare invariance. Poincare invariance requires that the laws of physics remain the same in all inertial frames, including local inertial frames. In other words, the laws of physics should be the same in a local inertial frame as they are in any other inertial frame. This principle is crucial in understanding the behavior of physical systems and making accurate predictions.

4. Why is it important to consider local inertial frames and Poincare invariance?

Considering local inertial frames and Poincare invariance is important because it allows us to accurately describe and understand the behavior of physical systems. By using local inertial frames, we can simplify complex physical phenomena and make accurate predictions about their behavior. Poincare invariance ensures that our observations and predictions are consistent regardless of the observer's frame of reference.

5. How does the theory of general relativity incorporate local inertial frames and Poincare invariance?

The theory of general relativity is built upon the principles of local inertial frames and Poincare invariance. In general relativity, the laws of physics are described in the context of curved spacetime, which is locally inertial. This means that in small regions of spacetime, the laws of physics take on their simplest form, allowing us to make accurate predictions about the behavior of objects. Additionally, the theory is Poincare invariant, meaning that it is consistent regardless of the observer's frame of reference.

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