Calculate the elements of the Riemann tensor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the elements of the Riemann curvature tensor in four dimensions, specifically focusing on the claim that only 21 elements need to be computed due to symmetries, while some participants express confusion regarding the total number of independent components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the number of elements required to fully describe the Riemann tensor, with one participant attempting to list elements and questioning the sufficiency of 21 components. Others clarify that there are only 20 independent components due to certain elements being zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with participants providing clarifications about the number of independent components of the Riemann tensor. Some guidance has been offered regarding the identification of zero elements, and there is an acknowledgment of the misunderstanding regarding the total count of components.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference external sources to support their claims about the number of independent components and the properties of the Riemann tensor, indicating a reliance on established mathematical frameworks.

zardiac
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Homework Statement


Compute 21 elements of the Riemann curvature tensor in for dimensions. (All other elements should be able to produce through symmetries)


Homework Equations


[itex]R_{abcd}=R_{cdab}[/itex]
[itex]R_{abcd}=-R_{abdc}[/itex]
[itex]R_{abcd}=-R_{bacd}[/itex]



The Attempt at a Solution


I don't see how 21 elements can be enough,
for example
abcd
0000
1111
2222
3333
1110
1100
1000
2220
2200
2000
3330
3300
3000
0012
0120
0023
0230
1112
1122
1212
2223
2233
2323

I am already up to 24 elements and I am not even sure if this is enough to derive all the other ones. Am I missunderstanding something?
According to http://mathworld.wolfram.com/RiemannTensor.html it should be possible, but I really don't see it right now.
Any hints would be appreciated.
 
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There are 20 components of the tensor which can be non-zero. For example R0000 is certainly 0 (why?)
 
Ah of course, there are some elements that are zero. I don't know why I didn't checked that first. Thanks for quick replies, I think I got it right now :)
 

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