Berlin 2015 – scientific programme

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GR: Fachverband Gravitation und Relativitätstheorie

GR 15: Fundamental Problems and General Formalism

GR 15.4: Talk

Thursday, March 19, 2015, 12:10–12:30, H 2013

The Definition of Density in General Relativity — •Ernst Fischer — Stolberg, Germany

According to general relativity the geometry of space depends on the distribution of matter or energy fields. The relation between the local geometrical parameters and the volume enclosed in given limits varies with curvature and thus with the distribution of matter. As a consequence properties like mass or energy density, defined in Euclidean tangent space, cannot be integrated to give conserved integral data like total mass or energy. To obtain integral conservation, a correction term must be added to account for the curvature of space. This correction term is the equivalent of potential energy in Newtonian gravitation. With this correction the formation of singularities by gravitational collapse does no longer occur and the so called dark energy finds its natural explanation as potential energy of matter itself.