Evaluating T(A,A) and Components of T(A,__) in Minkowski Spacetime

In summary, Exercise 1.6 of Roger Blandford and Kip Thorne's online textbook Applications of Classical Physics involves evaluating T(A, A) and the components of T(A,__) and A\otimesT. The given answers are T(A, A) = -9, T(A,__) = (1, -4, 0, 0), and A\otimesT = (7, 0, 0, 0). However, after correcting for the lowered indices, the correct answers are T(A, A) = -9, T(A,__) = (1, -4, 0, 0), and A\otimesT = (-7, -14,
  • #1
Rasalhague
1,387
2
Excercise Exercise 1.6 of Roger Blandford and Kip Thorne's online textbook Applications of Classical Physics:

"In Minkowski spacetime, in some inertial reference frame, the vector A and second rank
tensor T have as their only nonzero components A0 = 1, A1 = 2, A2 = A3 = 0. T00 = 3, T01 = T10 = 2, T11 = −1. Evaluate T(A, A) and the components of T(A,__) and A[tex]\otimes[/tex]T."

http://www.pma.caltech.edu/Courses/ph136/yr2008/

The given answers to the first two questions are T(A, A) = -9, and T(A,__) = (1, -4, 0, 0). But I get 7, and (7, 0, 0, 0).

[tex]\left( \begin{matrix} 1 & 2 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right) \left(\begin{matrix} 3 & 2 & 0 & 0 \\ 2 & -1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right) = \left( \begin{matrix} 7 & 0 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right)[/tex]

[tex]\left( \begin{matrix} 7 & 0 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right) \left( \begin{matrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{matrix} \right) = 7[/tex]
 
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  • #2
You forgot to lower the indices of A before doing the multiplication.
 
  • #3
Thanks! Yes, that's better:

[tex]\left( \begin{matrix} -1 & 2 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right) \left(\begin{matrix} 3 & 2 & 0 & 0 \\ 2 & -1 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right) = \left( \begin{matrix} 1 & -4 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right)[/tex]

[tex]\left( \begin{matrix} 1 & -4 & 0 & 0 \end{matrix} \right) \left( \begin{matrix} -1 \\ 2 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{matrix} \right) = -9[/tex]
 

1. What is "T(A,A)" in Minkowski spacetime?

T(A,A) in Minkowski spacetime refers to the energy-momentum tensor, which is a mathematical tool used to describe the distribution of energy and momentum in a spacetime. It is a 4x4 matrix that contains information about the energy, momentum, and stress of a physical system.

2. How is T(A,A) evaluated in Minkowski spacetime?

T(A,A) is evaluated using the Einstein field equations, which relate the curvature of spacetime to the distribution of matter and energy. The equations involve solving partial differential equations to determine the components of the energy-momentum tensor.

3. What are the components of T(A,__) in Minkowski spacetime?

The components of T(A,__) in Minkowski spacetime refer to the individual elements of the energy-momentum tensor. There are 16 components in total, with 10 describing energy and momentum, and 6 describing stress and pressure.

4. How do the components of T(A,__) affect the curvature of spacetime?

The components of T(A,__) are directly related to the curvature of spacetime through the Einstein field equations. The distribution of energy and momentum, as described by the components of T(A,__), determines the curvature of spacetime, which in turn affects the motion of objects in that spacetime.

5. What is the significance of evaluating T(A,A) and its components in Minkowski spacetime?

Evaluating T(A,A) and its components in Minkowski spacetime is important in understanding the behavior of matter and energy in a flat, non-rotating spacetime. It allows us to make predictions and calculations about the motion of objects and the curvature of spacetime, and is a crucial component of Einstein's theory of general relativity.

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