Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2016/iii/paper-311/3/b/ii/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2016 iii Paper 311 3 b ii Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-06
For a regular causal curve, orient its tangent toward the future; reversing its parametrization does not change . Since , use as parameter and set . The causal inequality givesBoth transverse terms are nonnegative in the exterior, so necessarilyBecause and the discriminant is , this is equivalent toEquality requires and a null tangent. The limiting vectors are the two local azimuthal null directions; a curve following one at constant radius need not be a null geodesic. For a curve with radial or polar motion these angular bounds are necessary, while the full causal inequality can impose stricter bounds.
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