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Birkhoff's theorem
This term Birkhoff's theorem is used for several theorems fundamental to different areas of mathematics and physics:
- The ergodic theorem of George David Birkhoff relates averages over time and space; see ergodic theory.
- The HSP theorem of Garrett Birkhoff characterises varieties of algebraic structures; see variety (universal algebra).
- The Birkhoff theorem of relativity, proved in 1923 by George David Birkhoff and Rudolph Langer, shows that the most general spherically symmetric solution of the vacuum Einstein equation is the Schwarzschild solution. A discussion of Birkhoff's thereom may be found in Birkhoff's theorem (relativity).
- The Birkhoff theorem in electromagnetism states that a spherically symmetric solution to the source-free Maxwell's equations is static. A discussion of this theorem may be found in Birkhoff's theorem (electromagnetism).
Last updated: 05-29-2005 10:53:46
10-26-2009 08:16:03
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The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details