Gauge invariance of lagrangian density

In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of a lagrangian density $$\mathcal{L} = F^{\mu \nu} F_{\mu \nu} + m^2 /2 \ A_{\mu} A^{\mu} $$ which is not gauge invariant. The equations of motion are derived and it is noted that the Lorentz condition is still implied even though there is no gauge invariance. The general solutions are then discussed and it is mentioned that the equations of motion are not gauge invariant, but the Lorentz condition implies the condition $$\partial_{\mu} A^{\mu}$$. The conversation ends with a request for someone to show the steps for deriving
  • #1
Dhyrim
1
0
The problem:


$$\mathcal{L} = F^{\mu \nu} F_{\mu \nu} + m^2 /2 \ A_{\mu} A^{\mu} $$

with: $$ F_{\mu \nu} = \partial_{\nu}A_{\mu} - \partial_{\mu}A_{\nu} $$

1. Show that this lagrangian density is not gauge invariance

2.Derive the equations of motion, why is the Lorentzcondition still implied eventho there is no gauge invariance?

3.Construct the general solutions and discussI kinda know how to solve the first part, just by checking this transofrmation $$A_{\mu} \ \ to \ \ A_{\mu} + \partial_{\mu} f(x) $$

its clear that the lagrangian density is not invariant here.

I think the equations of motions should be:
$$ F^{\mu \nu} = A^{\nu} $$

and these are also, not gauge invariance. But why would the imply the condition:
$$\partial_{\mu} A^{\mu}$$
?

My guess it is because when you preform a gauge transform on the lagrangian density before deriving the equations of motion, you will get extra terms, these will make it so you get extra terms in the equations of motion, depending on this gauge transform, and they will vanish when this condition is in use.

I have no idea how to construct the general solution of this, can someone show me the answer to these?

Thx,
Dhyrim
 
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  • #2
Could you show how you derived your equation of motion? or atleast give the steps? Can you see an issue with the EOM you have written down?
 

What is gauge invariance?

Gauge invariance is a fundamental concept in physics, particularly in the field of quantum field theory. It refers to the idea that the mathematical description of a physical system should not depend on the choice of a specific mathematical representation or gauge. In other words, the physical predictions of a system should not change when we make a transformation within a certain mathematical framework.

Why is gauge invariance important?

Gauge invariance is important because it allows us to make predictions in physics that are independent of the specific mathematical framework used to describe a system. This is essential in order to have a consistent and reliable theory that can accurately describe the behavior of physical systems.

How is gauge invariance related to Lagrangian density?

Gauge invariance is closely related to Lagrangian density, as the latter is a mathematical construct that is used to describe the dynamics of a system in a gauge-invariant way. In other words, the Lagrangian density is formulated in such a way that the physical predictions of a system do not change under a gauge transformation.

What is the role of symmetry in gauge invariance?

Symmetry plays a crucial role in gauge invariance, as it is the underlying mathematical principle that allows for the invariance of physical predictions under gauge transformations. In fact, gauge invariance is often referred to as a symmetry principle, as it dictates that the laws of physics should remain unchanged under certain transformations.

Can you give an example of a gauge-invariant theory?

One example of a gauge-invariant theory is the Standard Model of particle physics, which describes the interactions of elementary particles. This theory is invariant under the gauge group SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1), meaning that the physical predictions do not change when we make transformations within this group. Another example is general relativity, which is invariant under diffeomorphisms, or transformations of the coordinates used to describe spacetime.

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