- #1
e2m2a
- 354
- 11
Why doesn't mass show up in the stress-energy tensor explicitly?
In physics, mass is a measure of an object's resistance to acceleration. It is a fundamental property of matter and is often measured in kilograms (kg).
According to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2, mass and energy are interchangeable and can be converted into one another. This means that mass can be thought of as a form of energy, and vice versa.
A stress-energy tensor is a mathematical object used in the theory of general relativity to describe the energy and momentum of matter and fields in spacetime. It is a 4x4 matrix that contains 10 independent components, representing different types of energy and momentum.
In the stress-energy tensor, mass is implicitly included in the form of energy. Since mass and energy are equivalent, it is not necessary to have a separate component for mass in the tensor.
Yes, the stress-energy tensor is a universal concept that can be applied to all types of matter, including particles, fluids, and fields. It is a fundamental tool in understanding the behavior of matter and energy in the universe.