Consider the triangle formed by the three geodesics in Fig. 28.3. In a flat space, the exterior

Question:

Consider the triangle formed by the three geodesics in Fig. 28.3. In a flat space, the exterior angle ζ must equal θ + ψ. However, if the space is homogeneous and positively curved, then the angle deficit ≡ θ + ψ − ζ will be positive.


(a) By considering the geometry of the 2-dimensional surface of a sphere embedded in 3-dimensional Euclidean space, show that the area of the triangle is /K.


(b) Make a conjecture (or, better still, devise a demonstration) as to the formula for the area of a triangle in a negatively curved homogeneous space.


These results are special cases of the famous Gauss-Bonnet theorem, which allows for the possibility that the topology of the space might not be simple.



Figure 28.3.


image

Fantastic news! We've Found the answer you've been seeking!

Step by Step Answer:

Question Posted: