Energy-Momentum Tensor for Electromagnetism in curved space

In summary: A_\nu)}{\partial x^\nu}\end{align}In summary, the Lagrangian for a field theory can be separated into two parts: the Maxwell Lagrangian and the interacting Lagrangian. The energy-momentum tensor for the interacting part is then defined and can be calculated using the derivative of the interacting Lagrangian with respect to the metric tensor. This process involves the use of the Maxwell Lagrangian and the current density vector.
  • #1
Pouramat
28
1
Homework Statement
Consider
$$
\mathcal L = \sqrt{-g} (\frac{-1}{4}F^{\mu \nu}F_{\mu \nu} + A_\mu J^\mu)
$$
a) Find ##T^{\mu \nu}##
b) Adding a new term to the Lagrangian ##\mathcal L' = \beta R^{\mu \nu} g^{\rho \sigma} F_{\mu \rho} F_{\nu \sigma}##. How are Maxwell's eqs altered? How about Einstein's Eqs? Is the current still conserved?
Relevant Equations
N/A
a) I'd separated the Lagrangian into:
$$
\mathcal L = \mathcal L_{Max}+\mathcal L_{int}
$$
in which ##\mathcal L_{Max} =\frac{-1}{4}\sqrt{-g} F^{\mu \nu}F_{\mu \nu}## and ##\mathcal L_{int} =\sqrt{-g} A_\mu J^\mu##
Thus:
$$
T^{\mu \nu}_{Max}= F^{\mu \lambda}{F^{\nu}}_{\lambda}-\frac{1}{4}F^{\alpha \beta}F_{\alpha \beta}
$$
But I don't know how to treat the second term in Lagrangian ##\mathcal L_{int} =\sqrt{-g} A_\mu J^\mu##
b) I could'nt solve it...
 
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  • #2
A:The energy-momentum tensor for the interacting part of the Lagrangian is defined by$$T^{\mu\nu}_{\text{int}} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{-g}} \frac{\delta(\sqrt{-g}\mathcal{L}_{\text{int}})}{\delta g_{\mu\nu}}$$Hence,\begin{align}T^{\mu\nu}_{\text{int}} &= \frac{2}{\sqrt{-g}} \frac{\delta(\sqrt{-g}A_\mu J^\mu)}{\delta g_{\mu\nu}} \\&= \frac{1}{\sqrt{-g}} \left( \frac{\partial (\sqrt{-g}A_\mu J^\mu)}{\partial g_{\mu\nu}} - \frac{\partial }{\partial x^\nu} \frac{\partial (\sqrt{-g}A_\mu J^\mu)}{\partial (\partial x^\mu)} \right) \\&= \frac{1}{\sqrt{-g}} \left( \frac{1}{2}\sqrt{-g} \left(g_{\mu\nu} A_\alpha J^\alpha + g_{\mu\nu} A_\alpha J^\alpha - g_{\alpha\nu}A_\mu J^\alpha - g_{\mu\alpha}A_\nu J^\alpha \right) \right. \\&\qquad \qquad \left. - \frac{\partial (\sqrt{-g}J^\mu A_\nu)}{\partial x^\nu} \right) \\&= \frac{1}{2} \left(g_{\mu\nu}A_\alpha J^\alpha - g_{\alpha\nu}A_\mu J^\alpha - g_{\mu\alpha}A_\nu J^\alpha \right) - \frac{1}{\sqrt{-g}} \frac{\partial (\sqrt{-g}J^
 

1. What is the Energy-Momentum Tensor for Electromagnetism in curved space?

The Energy-Momentum Tensor for Electromagnetism in curved space is a mathematical object that describes the distribution of energy and momentum in a curved spacetime due to electromagnetic fields. It is a 4x4 matrix with 10 independent components that represent the energy density, momentum density, and stress of the electromagnetic field.

2. How is the Energy-Momentum Tensor calculated?

The Energy-Momentum Tensor is calculated using the electromagnetic field equations, which describe how electric and magnetic fields interact with matter in a curved spacetime. These equations involve the electromagnetic field strength tensor, which is a 4x4 matrix that describes the strength and direction of the electric and magnetic fields at each point in spacetime.

3. What is the significance of the Energy-Momentum Tensor in general relativity?

The Energy-Momentum Tensor is a crucial component in Einstein's theory of general relativity, which describes how gravity is related to the curvature of spacetime. In this theory, the Energy-Momentum Tensor acts as the source of the gravitational field, meaning that it determines how matter and energy curve the fabric of spacetime and influence the motion of objects within it.

4. How does the Energy-Momentum Tensor change in different types of spacetimes?

The Energy-Momentum Tensor can take on different forms in different types of spacetimes. In flat spacetime, which is described by special relativity, the tensor reduces to the familiar form used in classical electromagnetism. In curved spacetime, such as in the presence of a massive object like a black hole, the tensor may have additional terms that account for the effects of gravity on the electromagnetic field.

5. What are some applications of the Energy-Momentum Tensor in physics?

The Energy-Momentum Tensor has many applications in various fields of physics, including cosmology, astrophysics, and high-energy particle physics. It is used to study the behavior of electromagnetic fields in curved spacetime, such as near black holes or in the early universe. It is also used in the study of gravitational waves and the behavior of matter and energy in extreme conditions, such as in the core of a neutron star.

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