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In theoretical physics and applied mathematics, a field equation is a partial differential equation which determines the dynamics of a physical field, specifically the time evolution and spatial distribution of the field. The solutions to the equation are mathematical functions which correspond directly to the field, as functions of time and space.
The Einstein field equations (EFE) may be written in the form: [5] [1] + = EFE on the wall of the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in Leiden, Netherlands. where is the Einstein tensor, is the metric tensor, is the stress–energy tensor, is the cosmological constant and is the Einstein gravitational constant.
A field is described by a Lagrangian, varying with respect to the field should give the field equations and varying with respect to the metric should give the stress-energy contribution due to the field.) Finally, when all the contributions to the stress–energy tensor are added up, the result must be a solution of the Einstein field equations
A field theory tends to be expressed mathematically by using Lagrangians. This is a function that, when subjected to an action principle, gives rise to the field equations and a conservation law for the theory. The action is a Lorentz scalar, from which the field equations and symmetries can be readily derived.
The Kerr metric or Kerr geometry describes the geometry of empty spacetime around a rotating uncharged axially symmetric black hole with a quasispherical event horizon.The Kerr metric is an exact solution of the Einstein field equations of general relativity; these equations are highly non-linear, which makes exact solutions very difficult to find.
The metric tensor is a central object in general relativity that describes the local geometry of spacetime (as a result of solving the Einstein field equations). Using the weak-field approximation, the metric tensor can also be thought of as representing the 'gravitational potential'. The metric tensor is often just called 'the metric'.
The Einstein field equation is often written as + =, with a so-called cosmological constant term. However, it is possible to move this term to the right hand side and absorb it into the stress–energy tensor T a b {\displaystyle T^{ab}} , so that the cosmological constant term becomes just another contribution to the stress–energy tensor.
In general relativity, a fluid solution is an exact solution of the Einstein field equation in which the gravitational field is produced entirely by the mass, momentum, and stress density of a fluid. In astrophysics, fluid solutions are often employed as stellar models, since a perfect gas can be thought of as a special case of a perfect fluid.