Tensor Definition and 1000 Threads

  1. D

    Proving properties of the Levi-Civita tensor

    Homework Statement Hey everyone, So I've got to prove a couple of equations to do with the Levi-Civita tensor. So we've been given: \epsilon_{ijk}=-\epsilon_{jik}=-\epsilon_{ikj} We need to prove the following: (1) \epsilon_{ijk}=-\epsilon_{kji} (2)...
  2. T

    Why does loose tensor tympani cause hypoacusis?

    If the tensor tympany is loose, the ear drum is also loose. But then, the ear drum will vibrate even by weak sound waves, which will cause increased vibration of malleus, incus, and stapes. Isn't that supposed to cause hyperacusis instead?
  3. M

    Understanding the Cauchy Stress Tensor for Beginners

    Hello, I am not sure what the first indice in the cauchy stress tensor indicates For example, σ_xy means that the stress in the y direction, but does x mean the cross sectional area is normal to the x direction?
  4. Philosophaie

    What is the value of Q in the equation for the Kerr-Newman Metric Tensor?

    Our galaxy is rotating and is charged therefore the choice for the metric is the Kerr-Newman Metric. I want to solve for the Kerr-Newman Metric Tensor. There are a few questions. 1-What is the value for Q in the equation: ##r_Q^2=\frac{Q^2*G}{4*\pi*\epsilon_0*c^4}## where ##G=6.674E-20...
  5. D

    Why is the inertia tensor calculated about a point instead of an axis?

    Generally, when we talk about moment of inertia, we talk about rotation and inherently, we talk about moment of inertia about an axis. But when we talk about inertia tensor, we calculate about a point. Is there a reason for this difference? Am I missing something? I am new to tensors.
  6. S

    Integrals featuring the laplacian and a tensor

    Ok, so I'd like some advice on doing integrals that involve a laplacian and a tensor for example =\int\frac{\delta}{\delta A_{\mu}}\frac{1}{4M^{2}}(\partial_{\rho}A_{\sigma}-\partial_{\sigma}A_{\rho})\frac{\partial^{2}}{\partial x^{2}}(\partial^{\rho}A^{\sigma}-\partial^{\sigma}A^{\rho}) where...
  7. Philosophaie

    Metric Tensor of the Reissner–Nordström Metric

    I am looking for the Metric Tensor of the Reissner–Nordström Metric.g_{μv} I have searched the web: Wiki and Bing but I can not find the metric tensor derivations. Thanks in advance!
  8. F

    Tensor Notation for Triple Scalar Product Squared

    Homework Statement Hi all, Here's the problem: Prove, in tensor notation, that the triple scalar product of (A x B), (B x C), and (C x A), is equal to the square of the triple scalar product of A, B, and C. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I started by looking at the triple...
  9. fluidistic

    Density of energy from the stress-energy tensor

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I would like to show that if ##t^\mu## is a temporal vector then ##t^\mu t^\nu T_{\mu\nu}## is the density of energy of the EM field measured by an observer with velocity ##t^\mu##. And that it is greater or equal to 0. Density of energy is proportional to...
  10. fluidistic

    Trace of the Stress-Energy Tensor Zero?

    0. Homework Statement Hi guys, I must show that the trace of the stress energy tensor is zero. The definition of it is ##T^{\mu \nu }=\frac{1}{4\pi} \left ( F^{\mu \sigma } F^{\nu \rho} \eta _{\sigma \rho}-\frac{1}{4} \eta ^{\mu \nu } F^{\sigma \rho} F_{\sigma \rho} \right )##. 1. The...
  11. T

    Magnetic field from vector potential function using tensor notation

    Homework Statement We will see (in Chap. 5) that the magnetic field can be derived from a vector potential function as follows: B = ∇×A Show that, in the special case of a uniform magnetic field B_{0} , one possible vector potential function is A = \frac{1}{2}B_{0}×r MUST USE TENSOR NOTATIONm...
  12. Ibix

    Validity of Tensor Expressions in (a)-(d)

    Another trivial question from me. Homework Statement Which (if any) of the following are valid tensor expressions: (a)A^\alpha+B_\alpha (b)R^\alpha{}_\beta A^\beta+B^\alpha=0 (c)R_{\alpha\beta}=T_\gamma (d)A_{\alpha\beta}=B_{\beta\alpha} Homework Equations Nothing relevant -...
  13. Mandelbroth

    Can the tensor product be visualized as a machine for processing vectors?

    "Seeing" Tensor Products Is there a way to "visualize" the tensor product of two (or ##n##) vectors/tensors/algebras/etc.? I'm having a lot of trouble making the tensor product feel intuitive. I know its properties, and I can usually apply it without too much of a problem, but it does not...
  14. E

    Tensor equation in Dirac's 1975 book

    Dirac has equation 3.4 as: x^{\lambda}_{,\mu}x^{\mu}_{,\nu}=g^{\lambda}_{\nu} Shouldn't that have a 4 on the right side? x^{\lambda}_{,\mu}x^{\mu}_{,\nu}=(4?)g^{\lambda}_{\nu}
  15. skate_nerd

    MHB Tensor notation for vector product proofs

    I am new to tensor notation, but have known how to work with vector calculus for a while now. I understand for the most part how the Levi-Civita and Kronecker Delta symbol work with Einstein summation convention. However there are a few things I'm iffy about. For example, I have a problem where...
  16. TheFerruccio

    Prove the following tensor identity

    I am back again, with more tensor questions. I am getting better at this, but it is still a tough challenge of pattern recognition. Problem Statement Prove the following identity is true, using indicial notation: \nabla\times(\nabla \vec{v})^T = \nabla(\nabla\times\vec{v}) Attempt at...
  17. D

    Maxwell stress tensor in different coordinate system

    Hi guys, I would like to know if the answer given to this thread is correct https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=457405 I got the same doubt, is the expression for the tensor given in cartesian coordinates or is it general to any orthogonal coordinate system? Thanks in advance
  18. C

    Construct electromagnetic stress-energy tensor for a non-flat metric

    Hi, I am having problems in constructing a stress-energy tensor representing a constant magnetic field Bz in the \hat{z} direction. The coordinate system is a cylindric {t,r,z,\varphi}. The metric signature is (+,-,-,-). I ended with the following mixed stress-energy tensor: Is this...
  19. C

    Definition of the extrinsic-curvature tensor.

    Some define the extrinsic curvature tensor as $$K_{\mu \nu} = h^{\ \ \ \sigma}_\nu h^{\ \ \ \lambda}_\nu \nabla_\sigma n_\lambda.$$ From the expression it seems like the index of the covariant derivative in can be any spacetime index. However, does it makes sense to ask what the...
  20. M

    Why does the tensor product in QM produce unentangled states?

    In QM the tensor product of two independent electron's spin state vectors represents the product state which represents the possible unentangled states of the pair. I don't understand why the tensor product produces that result. |A⟩=|a⟩⊗|b⟩
  21. M

    Learn Wigner Rotation, Tensor Operator & Two-Particle Helicity State

    Hi, Is there any good books which explain/calculate Wigner rotation, tensor operator, two-particle helicity state and related stuff in detail? Thanks.
  22. L

    Tensor techniques in $3\otimes\bar 3$ representation of su(3)

    Hi everyone! I would like to ask you a very basic question on the decomposition 3\otimes\bar 3=1\oplus 8 of su(3) representation. Suppose I have a tensor that transforms under the 8 representation (the adjoint rep), of the form O^{y}_{x} where upper index belongs to the $\bar 3$ rep and the...
  23. B

    Geometrical meaning of Weyl tensor

    Can anyone give me a geometrical interpretation of the weyl curvature tensor?
  24. andrewkirk

    Can contraction of a tensor be defined without using coordinates?

    All but one of the tensor operations can be defined without reference to either coordinates or a basis. This can be done for instance by defining a ##(^m_n)## tensor over vector space ##V## as a multi-linear function from ##V^m(V^*)^n## to the background field ##F##. This allows us to define...
  25. WannabeNewton

    Killing fields as eigenvectors of Ricci tensor

    Hi guys! I need help on a problem from one of my GR texts. Suppose that ##\xi^a## is a killing vector field and consider its twist ##\omega_a = \epsilon_{abcd}\xi^b \nabla^c \xi^d##. I must show that ##\omega_a = \nabla_a \omega## for some scalar field ##\omega##, which is equivalent to showing...
  26. T

    Proving that the det of the Lorentz tensor is +1 or -1 (MTW p 89)

    I have spent much effort trying to prove that det|\Lambda\mu\upsilon| = +1 or -1 (following a successful effort to prove (3.50g) on p87 of MTW) From the result of \LambdaT\eta\Lambda = \eta I've produced four equations like: \Lambda00\Lambda00 - \Lambda01\Lambda01 - \Lambda02\Lambda02 -...
  27. D

    Definition of the Einstein Tensor

    Hello.The Einstein has following definition (in my course): Gμε = Rμε - 1/2Rgμε. But why don't we just: gμεGμε = gμεRμε - 1/2Rgμεgμε. <=> G = R- 1/2 . R . 4 = R- 2R = -R? Is this wrong or.? Also, what is the meaning of the ricci scalair and tensor?
  28. fluidistic

    I don't understand the notation (tensor?, not even sure)

    Homework Statement In order to show that if ##(\vec E (\vec x, t), \vec H (\vec x, t))## is a solution to Maxwell's equation then ##(\vec E (\vec x -\vec L, t), \vec H (\vec x-\vec L, t))## is also a solution, my professor used a proof and a step I do not understand. Let ##\vec x' =\vec...
  29. I

    Average of a tensor composed of unit vectors

    Hello, I'm studying The Theory of Polymer Dynamics by Doi and Edwards and on page 98 there is a tensor, defined as a composition of two identical unit vectors pointing from the monomer n to the monomer m: \hat{\textbf{r}}_{nm}\hat{\textbf{r}}_{nm} As far as I understood, the unit vectors...
  30. P

    Surface Integration of vector tensor product

    Hello, It may be trivial to many of you, but I am struggling with the following integral involving two spheres i and j separated by a distance mod |rij| ∫ ui (ρ).[Tj (ρ+rij) . nj] d2ρ The integration is over sphere j. ui is a vector (actually velocity of the fluid around i th...
  31. P

    Why Do These Riemann Tensor Terms Cancel Each Other Out?

    I was working on the derivation of the riemann tensor and got this (1) ##\Gamma^{\lambda}_{\ \alpha\mu} \partial_\beta A_\lambda## and this (2) ##\Gamma^{\lambda}_{\ \beta\mu} \partial_\alpha A_\lambda## How do I see that they cancel (1 - 2)? ##\Gamma^{\lambda}_{\ \alpha\mu}...
  32. P

    Energy Momentum Tensor - EM - Derivative

    I have a short question about the derivative of a given EM-Tensor. ##\rho## = mass density ##U^\mu## = 4 velocity ##T^{\mu\nu} = \rho U^\mu U^\nu## Now I do ##\partial_\mu## Should I get a) ##\partial_\mu T^{\mu\nu} = (\partial_\mu \rho) (U^\mu U^\nu) + \rho (\partial_\mu U^\mu)...
  33. S

    Curvature Tensor: Non-Zero in Local Inertial Frame

    hi In a local inertial frame with g_{ij}=\eta_{ij} and \Gamma^i_{jk}=0. why in such a frame, curvature tensor isn't zero? curvature tensor is made of metric,first and second derivative of metric.
  34. S

    Proving When a Tensor is 0: M \cong M \otimes K

    Let M be a module over the commutative ring K with unit 1. I want to prove that M \cong M \otimes K. Define \phi:M \rightarrow M \otimes K by \phi(m)=m \otimes 1. This is a morphism because the tensor product is K-linear in the first slot. It is also easy to show that the map is surjective...
  35. T

    Metric tensor at the earth surface

    I want to find the ricci tensor and ricci scalar for the space-time curvature at the Earth surface. Ignoring the moon and the sun. I have used the scwharzschilds metric, but then the ricci tensor and the scalar where equal to zero.
  36. N

    Poisson bracket and Electric and Magnetic Weyl tensor in GR

    In order to understand how related are the theories of General Relativity and Electromagnetism, I am looking at the electric and magnetic parts of the Weyl tensor (in the ADM formalism) and compare them with the ones from Maxwell's theory. I have tried to look at the Poisson bracket, but the...
  37. E

    What is the Riemann Curvature Tensor for Flat and Minkowski Space?

    Homework Statement Show that all components of Riemann curvarue tensor are equal to zero for flat and Minkowski space. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution ## (ds)^2=(dx^1)^2+(dx^2)^2+...+(dx^n)^2 \\ R_{MNB}^A=\partial _{N}\Gamma ^{A}_{MB}-\partial _{M}\Gamma ^{A}_{NB}+\Gamma...
  38. I

    Independency of the frame of reference of the strain rate tensor

    I've got a problem regarding tensors. Premise: we are considering a fluid particle with a velocity \mathbf{u} and a position vector \mathbf{x}; S_{ij} is the strain rate tensor, defined in this way: \displaystyle{S_{ij}=\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{\partial u_i}{\partial x_j} +\frac{\partial...
  39. T

    How Does the Pauli-Lujanski Tensor Relate to Gauge Invariance?

    I want to proof that [M\mu\nu,W\sigma]=i(g\nu\sigmaW\mu-g\mu\sigmaW\nu) I can reduce this expression but I can't find the correctly answer. Thanks!
  40. F

    Rank-2 tensor: multiple definitions

    Hi all! In a paper they say that a certain quantity is a rank-2 tensor because it transforms like a spin-2 object under rotations, that is: if the basis vectors undergo a rotation of angle \phi, then this quantity, say A, transforms like A\mapsto Ae^{i2\phi} As far as I knew, a rank-2...
  41. B

    Where Can I Find a Comprehensive Tensor Analysis Workbook?

    Would anybody have some good recommendations for a workbook on tensor analysis? I'm looking for the kind of book that would ask a ton of basic questions like: "Convert the vector field \vec{A}(x,y,z) \ = \ x^2\hat{i} \ + \ (2xz \ + \ y^3 \ + \ (xz)^4)\hat{j} \ + \ \sin(z)\hat{k} to...
  42. Z

    Weyl tensor in 2 dimensions- confused

    hello, The Weyl tensor is: http://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0550321305002828-si53.gif In 2 dimensions , the Riemann tensor is (see MTW ex 14.2): Rabcd = K( gacgbd - gadgbc ) [R] Now the Weyl tensor must vanish in 2 dimensions. However, working with the g g = [-1 0 0...
  43. J

    Static, spherically symmetric Maxwell tensor

    Homework Statement Show that a static, spherically symmetric Maxwell tensor has a vanishing magnetic field. Homework Equations Consider a static, spherically-symmetric metric g_{ab}. There are four Killing vector fields: a timelike \xi^{a} satisfying \xi_{[a}\nabla_{b}\xi_{c]} = 0 and...
  44. Philosophaie

    Finding the 4x4 Cofactor of a Covariant Metric Tensor g_{ik}

    If I have a 4x4 Covarient Metric Tensor g_{ik}. I can find the determinant: G = det(g_{ik}) How do I find the 4x4 Cofactor of g_ik? G^{ik} then g^{ik}=G^{ik}/G
  45. &

    Difference between tensor product and direct product?

    Hi, I have been learning about tensor products from Dummit and Foote's Abstract Algebra and I'm a little confused. I understand the construction of going to the larger free group and "modding out" by the relations that will eventually end up giving us module structure. But just in the...
  46. S

    What is the Form of Riemann Tensor in 3D?

    hi Riemann tensor has a definition that independent of coordinate and dimension of manifold where you work with it. see for example Geometry,Topology and physics By Nakahara Ch.7 In that book you can see a relation for Riemann tensor and that is usual relation according to Christoffel...
  47. C

    Spherical tensor operators' commutation with lowering/raising operator

    I'm studying Shankar's book (2nd edition), and I came across his equation (15.3.11) about spherical tensor operators: [J_\pm, T_k^q]=\pm \hbar\sqrt{(k\mp q)(k\pm q+1)}T_k^{q\pm 1} I tried to derive this using his hint from Ex 15.3.2, but the result I got doesn't have the overall \pm sign on the...
  48. nomadreid

    Which of these statements about tensor products is incorrect?

    I have read the following three simplifications in various places, but together they give a contradiction, so at least one of them must be an oversimplification. Which one? (a) Interaction between two systems A and B is described by A\otimesB (b) An entangled state C is a pure state, and...
  49. P

    Tensor summation and components.

    Hello, I would very much like someone to please clarify the following points concerning tensor summation to me. Suppose the components of a tensor Ai j are A1 2 = A2 1 = A (or, in general, Axy = Ayx = A), whereas all the other components are 0. Is this a symmetrical tensor then? How may Ai j be...
  50. P

    Transforming Tensor Components with Coordinate Systems

    Hi, Homework Statement The components of the tensor Ai j are A1 2 = A2 1 = A, whereas all the other components are zero. I am asked to write A(BAR)i j, following a transformation to a new coordinate system, given that ∂q(BAR)k/∂qn = Rnk. I am expected to write my answer in terms of R...
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