Time (in)dependence in general relativity

Abstract

We clarify the conditions for Birkhoff's theorem, that is, time independence in general relativity. We work primarily at the linearized level where guidance from electrodynamics is particularly useful. As a bonus, we also review how the equivalence principle results from general relativity. The basic time-independent solutions due to Schwarzschild and Kerr provide concrete illustrations of the theorem. Only familiarity with Maxwell's equations and tensor analysis is required.

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