Light Inextensible Strings (Thread) Under Tension in the Schwarzschild Geometry

Light inextensible string under tension is a stalwart feature of elementary physics. Here I show how considering such a string in the vicinity of a black hole, with the help of computer algebra systems, can generate insight into the Schwarzschild geometry in the context of an undergraduate homework problem. Light taut strings minimize their proper length, given by integrating the spatial component of the Schwarzschild metric along the string. The path itself is given by straightforward numerical solution to the Euler–Lagrange equations. If the string is entirely outside the event horizon, its closest approach to the singularity is tangential. At this point the string is visibly curved, surely a memorable and informative insight. The geometry of the Schwarzschild metric induces some interesting nonlocal phenomena: if the distance of closest approach is less than about [Formula: see text], the string self-intersects, even though it is everywhere under tension. Light taut strings furnish a third interpretation of the concept “straight line”, the other two being null geodesics and free-fall world lines. All the software used is available under the GPL.1