Can tensors be equal in all coordinate systems?

  • Thread starter Thread starter qoqosz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Properties Tensor
AI Thread Summary
If the components of a tensor vanish in one coordinate system, they vanish in all coordinate systems due to the nature of linear transformations. When two tensors have equal components in one coordinate system, they are equal in all systems, as shown by transforming their components. The transformation maintains the zero property, meaning if all components are zero in one system, they remain zero in any other system. The discussion also touches on the intuitive understanding of tensors and their behavior under different perspectives, exemplified by stress in materials. Overall, the properties of tensors ensure consistency across coordinate systems.
qoqosz
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Task 1. Show that if components of any tensor of any rank vanish in one particular coordinate system they vanish in all coordinate systems.

Task 2. The components of tensor T are equal to the corresponding components of tensor W in one particular coordinate system; that is, T^0_{ij} = W^0_{ij}.
Show that tensor T is equal to tensor W, T_{ij} = W_{ij} in all coordinate systems.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


task 1. I have no idea how to start
task 2. transforming to the any other coordinate system I obtain:

T_{i'j'} = A_{i'}^i A_{j'}^j T^0_{ij} = A_{i'}^i A_{j'}^j W^0_{ij} = W_{i'j'} is it ok?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you can do 2 you can do 1 by taking W_{ij}= 0]!

But it is easiest to prove 2 by proving 1 first:
You apparently know that if T^0_{ij} are the components of T in one coordinate system, then the coordinates T_{i'j'} in any coordinates system are given by T_{i'j'}= A^i_{i'}A^j_{j'}T^0_{ij}. Okay what if all components of T^0_{ij} are 0?

And if T^0_{ij}= W^0_{ij}[/tex], then T^0_{ij}- W^0_{ij} is also a tensor, with all components 0.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well the fact from the 1st task is for me intuitive but I don't understand it's formal proof. Because when some components of T_{ij} are 0 (but not all) than the T_{i'j'} can have no 0 components. So why when all components of T_{ij} are 0 then T_{i'j'} are 0 as well? Is it because changing coordinate system is a linear transformation and so 'A(0)=0'?
 
Am I right?
 
stress is an example of a tensor...If we have a bar (cuboid with a length much greater than other dimensions), and we apply axial forces to it, then there are only normal stresses...however, if we now cut off a piece from it diagonally, then on the inclined surface so obtained, we have both normal and shear stresses...so the same thing appears different in two different perspectives...is this also a basic property of tensors??
 
Please help!
 
Back
Top