0
$\begingroup$

What is a lagrangian such that Euler-Lagrange equation (not sure if it's correct form for this case)

$$\frac{\partial \mathcal{L}}{\partial g_{\mu\nu}}=\partial_\lambda\frac{\partial \mathcal{L}}{\partial (\partial_\lambda g_{\mu\nu})}.$$

Gives us Einstein field equations?

$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

6
$\begingroup$

This is almost certainly answered elsewhere, but the Hilbert Action, from which Einstein's equation can be derived, is:

$$S = \int d^{4}x\;\left(\sqrt{|g|}\frac{1}{16\pi G}R + \mathcal{L}_{m}\right)$$

taking the variation is pretty complicated (there are second derivatives of the metric in the action, and you have to deal with gauge invariance) and best looked up in a textbook, though. But note, that by this definition, we define $T_{ab} = \frac{\delta \mathcal{L_m}}{\delta g^{ab}}$

$\endgroup$
13
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ The Wikipedia page does a pretty good job as an introduction of walking through the variation: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein%E2%80%93Hilbert_action. Also, if it is not clear, the action is an integral over $d^4x$. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 18, 2022 at 19:31
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Perhaps you'd like to add a general matter Lagrangian to that as well, since the Einstein field equations are usually formulated with the presence of a stress-energy tensor. The sign difference between them and the general arbitration in the overall choice could also be emphasized. $\endgroup$
    – rhomaios
    Commented Jun 18, 2022 at 19:34
  • $\begingroup$ So the lagrangian is just $\mathcal{L}=\frac{\sqrt{|g|}R}{16\pi G}$? $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 18, 2022 at 19:36
  • $\begingroup$ @JavaGamesJAR yes $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 18, 2022 at 19:41
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Really defining the volume integral means defining the theory of forms, which is usually beyond the scope of a first-year GR course. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 19, 2022 at 2:56
4
$\begingroup$

With the cosmological constant $\Lambda$ included, the Hilbert action for empty space is $$S = \frac{c^4}{16 \pi G} \int (R-2 \Lambda) \sqrt{-g} \, \mathrm{d}^4 x. $$

Wikipedia calls it the Einstein-Hilbert action, but this is wrong. The action is due to Hilbert, not to Einstein.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Notice that this action does not yield the stress-energy tensor on the right-hand side of Einstein's Equations $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 19, 2022 at 11:50
  • $\begingroup$ Indeed, as stated, it is only for vacuum; matter can be added as above. $\endgroup$
    – KlausK
    Commented Jun 19, 2022 at 11:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.