Another question about tensor derivatives

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around tensor derivatives, specifically the calculation of derivatives of the electromagnetic field tensor and the implications of gauge choices in field theory. Participants explore the notation and conventions used in expressing derivatives of scalar fields and the associated conjugate momenta.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant confirms a calculation involving the electromagnetic field tensor, suggesting the derivative of the tensor with respect to a derivative of the gauge field.
  • Another participant raises a question regarding the physical significance of the conjugate momentum associated with the gauge field, particularly when the time component is set to zero.
  • There is a discussion about the validity of setting \( A^0 = 0 \) as a gauge choice, with some participants questioning its implications.
  • A participant asks about the notation for time derivatives of scalar fields, specifically whether \( \dot{\Phi} \) denotes \( \partial_{0}\Phi \) or \( \partial^{0}\Phi \).
  • Another participant suggests that \( \partial_{0}\Phi \) is the standard notation but acknowledges that conventions may vary.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of using different metrics on the notation for time derivatives, particularly in the context of the Klein-Gordon field and its conjugate momenta.
  • A participant highlights a potential notational ambiguity in expressing the Hamiltonian involving the conjugate momenta of the Klein-Gordon field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of certain gauge choices and the notation for time derivatives, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the implications of gauge choices on physical interpretations and notational conventions, which may depend on the context of the discussion and the metrics used.

maverick280857
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I just wanted to confirm if the following calculation is correct:

If,

[tex]F^{\mu\nu} = \partial^{\mu}A^{\nu}-\partial^{\nu}A^{\mu}[/tex]

then

[tex]\frac{\partial F_{\mu\nu}}{\partial[\partial_{0}A_{\rho}]} = \delta_{\mu}^{0}\delta_{\nu}^{\rho}-\delta_{\nu}^{0}\delta_{\mu}^{\rho}[/tex]
 
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maverick280857 said:
I just wanted to confirm if the following calculation is correct:

If,

[tex]F^{\mu\nu} = \partial^{\mu}A^{\nu}-\partial^{\nu}A^{\mu}[/tex]

then

[tex]\frac{\partial F_{\mu\nu}}{\partial[\partial_{0}A_{\rho}]} = \delta_{\mu}^{0}\delta_{\nu}^{\rho}-\delta_{\nu}^{0}\delta_{\mu}^{\rho}[/tex]

Yes.
 
Thanks.
 
From this, we can show that the momenta conjugate to [itex]A_{\mu}[/itex] treated as fields, is

[tex]\Pi^{\mu} = F^{\mu 0}[/tex]

and hence

[tex]\Pi^{0} = F^{00} = 0[/tex]

What is the physical significance of this result, other than the fact that we cannot use this to solve for the [itex]\dot{A}_{\mu}[/itex]'s?

Edit: Now, if I choose a gauge such that [itex]A^{0} = 0[/itex]. Then [itex]\Pi^{\mu} = -\partial^{0}A^{\mu} = \partial_{0}A^{\mu}[/itex]?
 
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is [itex]A^0[/itex] a valid gauge choice? That's E = 0 isn't it?
 
Peeter said:
is [itex]A^0[/itex] a valid gauge choice? That's E = 0 isn't it?

Yes, I wonder. Its given as a question in the book.
 
If [itex]\Phi[/itex] is a scalar field, what does

[tex]\dot{\Phi}[/tex]

denote?

Is it

[tex]\partial_{0}\Phi[/tex]

or

[tex]\partial^{0}\Phi[/tex]

?
 
I think [itex]\partial_{0}\Phi[/itex] is the standard, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone uses the other convention.
 
I'd guess it's always index lower. If working with a -+++ metric you'd have

[tex] \partial^0 \Phi = -\partial_0 \Phi = -\frac{\partial \Phi}{c\partial t}[/tex]

which I don't think makes much sense to use as this Dot operator. You
could get away with index up for this time derivative only if using a +--- metric.
 
  • #10
Ok, the confusion stems from the computation of the momentum conjugate to [itex]\varphi[/itex], the Klein Gordon field. The Lagrangian is

[tex]\mathcal{L} = \frac{1}{2}\partial^{\mu}\varphi\partial_{\mu}\varphi -\frac{1}{2}m^2\varphi^2[/tex]

You can have "two kinds" of conjugate momenta

[tex]\partial^{0}\varphi[/itex]<br /> <br /> or<br /> <br /> [tex]\partial_{0}\varphi[/itex]<br /> <br /> The first term [itex]\Pi\dot{\varphi}[/itex] of the Hamiltonian ([itex]\mathcal{H} = \Pi\dot{\varphi} - \mathcal{L}[/itex]) should be<br /> <br /> [tex]\partial_{0}\varphi\partial^{0}\varphi[/tex]<br /> <br /> or<br /> <br /> [tex]\partial^{0}\varphi\partial_{0}\varphi[/tex]<br /> <br /> Is there a notational ambiguity here?[/tex][/tex]
 
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