Equivalent frames in Brans-Dicke theory

TL;DR

This paper examines the physical equivalence of Einstein and Jordan frames in Brans-Dicke theory, clarifying the conditions under which conformally transformed theories are equivalent using Chrisholm's theorem.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the equivalence between frames in Brans-Dicke theory, clarifying misconceptions about conformal transformations.

Findings

Einstein and Jordan frames are physically equivalent under certain conditions.

Conformal transformations do not necessarily lead to inequivalent theories.

Chrisholm's theorem helps clarify the conditions for equivalence.

Abstract

We discuss the physical equivalence between the Einstein and Jordan frames in Brans-Dicke theory. The inequivalence of conformal transformed theories is clarified with the help of an old equivalence theorem of Chrisholm's.