Calculating G' for an Orthogonal Coordinate System

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the metric tensor G' for an orthogonal coordinate system using two methods. The original poster presents a problem involving the transformation of the metric from one coordinate system (X, Y) to another (X', Y') and expresses uncertainty regarding the second method of calculation, which involves the basis vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate G' using both matrix multiplication and the multiplication of basis vectors. They express confusion about the values of the basis vectors and whether they should be considered unit vectors.
  • Some participants question the definitions of "orthonormal coordinates" and seek clarification on the concepts involved in the problem.
  • Others suggest that starting with definitions might help clarify the problem before proceeding with calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively seeking clarification on definitions and the original poster expressing a desire to understand the problem better. There is no explicit consensus yet, but the dialogue indicates a productive exploration of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that this is their first experience using LaTeX, which may contribute to their uncertainty in presenting the problem clearly. They also note a potential discrepancy in results between the two methods of calculating G', which they are trying to resolve.

PhysicsDude1
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



For the orthonormal coordinate system (X,Y) the metric is

\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}

Calculate G' in 2 ways.

1) G'= M[itex]^{T}[/itex]*G*M
2) g[itex]\acute{}[/itex][itex]_{ij}[/itex] = [itex]\overline{a}\acute{}_{i}[/itex] . [itex]\overline{a}\acute{}_{j}[/itex]

Homework Equations



\begin{pmatrix} \overline{a}\acute{}_{1} \\ \overline{a}\acute{}_{2} \end{pmatrix}
= \begin{pmatrix} -cos(\phi).\overline{a}\acute{}_{1} -\overline{a}\acute{}_{2} \\
cos(\phi).\overline{a}\acute{}_{2}\end{pmatrix}

M= \begin{pmatrix} -cos(\phi) & 0 \\ -1 & cos(\phi) \end{pmatrix}
M[itex]^{T}[/itex] = \begin{pmatrix} -cos(\phi) & -1 \\ 0 & cos(\phi) \end{pmatrix}
G=\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
=> G' = \begin{pmatrix} cos²(\phi) +1 & -cos(\phi) \\ -cos(\phi) & cos²(\phi) \end{pmatrix}


The Attempt at a Solution




So I'm having problems with the 2nd method i.e. g[itex]\acute{}[/itex][itex]_{ij}[/itex] = [itex]\overline{a}\acute{}_{i}[/itex] . [itex]\overline{a}\acute{}_{j}[/itex]

g[itex]\acute{}[/itex][itex]_{11}[/itex] = (-cos[itex](\phi)[/itex] . [itex]\overline{a}_{1}[/itex] -[itex]\overline{a}_{2}[/itex]) . (-cos[itex](\phi)[/itex] . [itex]\overline{a}_{1}[/itex] -[itex]\overline{a}_{2}[/itex]) = ?

What are the values for [itex]\overline{a}_{1}[/itex] and [itex]\overline{a}_{2}[/itex] ?
I think they're both 1 because they're both unit vectors of length 1 but I'm not sure.
Also, this is the first time ever I have used LaTeX so sorry if it's a bit sloppy.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Also, I can't fall asleep because of this. I REALLY want to know the answer :p
 
If there's something confusing, just ask :)
 
PhysicsDude1 said:
If there's something confusing, just ask :)

I don't know what problem you are trying solve. I know what "orthogonal coordinates" means and I know what "orthonormal vector fields" are. I not sure I know what "orthonormal coordinates" are. I can guess but could you explain that? Might be best to start with the definitions before you plow into trying to prove things. That might make it a lot easier than you think. And what IS this G' you are trying to calculate anyway?
 
Last edited:
Dick said:
I don't know what problem you are trying solve. I know what "orthogonal coordinates" means and I know what "orthonormal vector fields" are. I not sure I know what "orthonormal coordinates" are. I can guess but could you explain that? Might be best to start with the definitions before you plow into trying to prove things. That might make it a lot easier than you think. And what IS this G' you are trying to calculate anyway?


I'm sorry, I meant orthogonal coordinate system :)
Basically I'm trying to find G' which is the metric of the coordinate system (X', Y').
There are 2 ways to find this :
1) G' = M^T * G * M (M=inverse transformationformula // M^T = the transposed matrix of M // G = metric of the coordinate system (X,Y) )

2) Via the multiplication of the primed basic vectors a1 and a2 (see first matrix) and that's where I'm stuck. I don't know if I'm supposed to fill in those basis vectors with the value 1 or just leave them like that BUT that would mean that the 2nd method has a different result from the 1st method which can't be possible. I think I have to fill it in.

Sorry for all the confusion!
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K