Proving E_{ij,k} as a Tensor: A Comprehensive Explanation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the antisymmetric tensor E_{ij} and whether its derivative E_{ij,k} can also be classified as a tensor. Participants explore the implications of antisymmetry and the conditions required for a mathematical object to be considered a tensor.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that E_{ij} is an antisymmetric tensor, leading to the conclusion that E_{ij,k} should also be a tensor, providing a detailed proof involving summations and transformations.
  • Another participant challenges the proof, pointing out that certain terms in the derivation are nonsymmetric and nonantisymmetric, suggesting that the conclusion is incorrect.
  • A hint is provided regarding the construction of tensors, indicating that a combination of terms can yield a tensor, specifically mentioning that A_{i,j} - A_{j,i} is a tensor.
  • A later reply claims to have proven that E_{ij,k} + E_{jk,i} + E_{ki,j} is a tensor, referencing the earlier hint about antisymmetry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the initial proof of E_{ij,k} being a tensor, with some asserting it is incorrect. However, there is agreement on the potential for constructing a tensor from antisymmetric components.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of symmetry properties in tensor calculus and the need for careful consideration of terms when determining tensorial nature.

learningphysics
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An antisymmetric tensor of rank two [tex]E_{ij}[/tex] has [tex]E_{ij}=-E_{ji}[/tex] for all i and j right? Meaning for i=j, [tex]E_{ij}=0[/tex]... Just wanted to make sure of this.

Here's what I'm trying to prove. Given [tex]E_{ij}[/tex] is an antisymmetric tensor. Is [tex]E_{ij,k}[/tex] a tensor?

I get yes. Here's my proof:

[tex]E_{i'j',k'} =\sum_i \sum_j \sum_k (\frac{\partial}{x^k}(E_{ij}\frac{\partial x^i}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^j}{\partial x^{j'}}))\frac{\partial x^k}{\partial x^{k'}}[/tex]

This reduces to:
[tex]\sum_i \sum_j \sum_k E_{ij,k}\frac{\partial x^i}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^j}{\partial x^{j'}}\frac{\partial x^k}{\partial x^{k'}} + \sum_i \sum_j \sum_k E_{ij}(\frac{\partial}{x^k}(\frac{\partial x^i}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^j}{\partial x^{j'}}))\frac{\partial x^k}{\partial x^{k'}}[/tex]

Finally after rewriting the second part:
[tex]\sum_i \sum_j \sum_k E_{ij,k}\frac{\partial x^i}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^j}{\partial x^{j'}}\frac{\partial x^k}{\partial x^{k'}} + \sum_i \sum_j \sum_k E_{ij}(\frac{{\partial}^2 x^i}{\partial x^k \partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^j}{\partial x^{j'}} + \frac{\partial x^i}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{{\partial}^2 x^j}{\partial x^k \partial x^{j'}})\frac{\partial x^k}{\partial x^{k'}}[/tex]

The expression [tex]E_{ij}[/tex] is multiplied by in the second triple summation is symmetric about i and j... so if I write one element of the second summation as:
[tex]E_{ij}X_{ijk}[/tex]... so we add two elements of this sum [tex]i_1[/tex] and [tex]j_1[/tex] are not equal:

[tex]E_{i_1 j_1}X_{i_1 j_1 k_1} + E_{j_1 i_1}X_{j_1 i_1 k_1} = E_{i_1 j_1}X_{i_1 j_1 k_1} - E_{i_1 j_1}X_{i_1 j_1 k_1} =0[/tex] since E is antisymmetric, and X is symmetric about i and j...

So in this manner each element with indices [tex]i_1,j_1,k_1[/tex] where the i and j elements are different, cancels with the element with indices [tex]j_1,i_1,k_1[/tex].

And when [tex]i_1 = j_1[/tex] we have [tex]E_{i_1,j_1} =0[/tex] so that element in the summation is 0 anyway.

So the second summation goes to zero. And we have:

[tex]E_{i'j',k'} = \sum_i \sum_j \sum_k E_{ij,k}\frac{\partial x^i}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^j}{\partial x^{j'}}\frac{\partial x^k}{\partial x^{k'}}[/tex] so [tex]E_{ij,k}[/tex] is a tensor?

Does this look right? Thanks a bunch. :smile:
 
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Of course it's incorrect.

This part

[tex]\frac{\partial^{2}x^{i}}{\partial x^{k'}\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^{j}}{\partial x^{j'}}+\frac{\partial x^{i}}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial^{2}x^{j}}{\partial x^{k'}\partial x^{j'}}[/tex]

is obviously nonsymmetric in "i" and "j" and nonantisymmetric in <<j'>> and <<k'>>.

Daniel.
 
what could you do to make it a tensor?

Hint:

[tex]A_{i,j}[/tex] is not a tensor but
[tex]A_{i,j} - A_{j,i}[/tex] is a tensor
 
dextercioby said:
Of course it's incorrect.

This part

[tex]\frac{\partial^{2}x^{i}}{\partial x^{k'}\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial x^{j}}{\partial x^{j'}}+\frac{\partial x^{i}}{\partial x^{i'}}\frac{\partial^{2}x^{j}}{\partial x^{k'}\partial x^{j'}}[/tex]

is obviously nonsymmetric in "i" and "j" and nonantisymmetric in <<j'>> and <<k'>>.

Daniel.

Thanks dexter.
 
quetzalcoatl9 said:
what could you do to make it a tensor?

Hint:

[tex]A_{i,j}[/tex] is not a tensor but
[tex]A_{i,j} - A_{j,i}[/tex] is a tensor


I just proved that [tex]E_{ij,k} + E_{jk,i} + E_{ki,j}[/tex] is a tensor where [tex]E_{ij}[/tex] is antisymmetric. Is that what you were referring to?
 
learningphysics said:
I just proved that [tex]E_{ij,k} + E_{jk,i} + E_{ki,j}[/tex] is a tensor where [tex]E_{ij}[/tex] is antisymmetric. Is that what you were referring to?

yes :smile:
 

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