Connection and tensor-issue with the proof

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving the proof of ##\Gamma^{a}_{bc} T^{bc} = 0##, where ##\Gamma^{a}_{bc}## are the Christoffel symbols/connection and ##T^{bc} = T(e^{b}, e^{c})## in an orthonormal basis. The conversation also mentions the anti-symmetry property of the Levi-Civita connection in relation to this problem.
  • #1
rsaad
77
0

Homework Statement



I am tying to prove the following:
[itex]\Gamma^{a}_{bc}[/itex] T[itex]^{bc}[/itex] =0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I approached this problem as follows:
[itex]dx_{b}/dx^{c} * e^{a} (e^{b} . e^{c})[/itex] but it did not yield anything.
Then I expanded the christoeffel symbols into g s and again I am not sure what to do next.So any hints please
 
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  • #2
Your post is incomplete to say the least. What is ##\tau^{bc}## to start with?
 
  • #3
That's a tensor.
 
  • #4
a symmetric tensor.
 
  • #5
In a coordinate basis? A non-holonomic basis?
 
  • #6
Again you are not being specific enough. ##\Gamma^{a}_{bc}\tau^{bc} = 0## is certainly not true in general for any symmetric tensor ##\tau^{bc}## if ##\Gamma^{a}_{bc}## are the coefficients of the Levi-Civita connection. It is only true in general if ##\tau^{bc}## is antisymmetric so you must specify what exactly the tensor ##\tau^{bc}## is.
 
  • #7
Γabc are the christoffel symbols/connection and T^(bc) = (e^b,e^c)
 
  • #8
rsaad said:
Γabc are the christoffel symbols/connection and T^(bc) = (e^b,e^c)

Do you mean [itex]T^{bc} = T \left( e^b , e^c \right)[/itex]?
 
  • #9
yes.
 
  • #10
And [itex]\left\{ e_a \right\}[/itex] is an orthonormal basis?
 
  • #11
Yes, it is,
 
  • #12
First, In don't think that you should write [itex]\Gamma^a{}_{bc}[/itex] instead of [itex]\Gamma^a_{bc}[/itex].

Second, what anti-symmetry property does the Levi-Civita connection have with respect to an orthonormal basis?
 

1. What is the concept of "connection" in mathematics?

The concept of "connection" in mathematics refers to the mathematical representation of how a smooth manifold is locally flat, or Euclidean. It allows for the definition of parallel transport and the measurement of curvature.

2. What is a tensor and how does it relate to connection?

A tensor is a mathematical object that represents a geometric quantity, such as a vector or a matrix, in a coordinate-independent way. It is closely related to connection because the concept of parallel transport, which is defined by connection, is essential for understanding how tensors behave under coordinate transformations.

3. What is the role of tensors in the proof of connection?

Tensors play a crucial role in the proof of connection because they allow for the definition of parallel transport and the measurement of curvature. These concepts are essential for understanding how the smooth manifold behaves locally and how it is related to Euclidean space.

4. What are some real-life applications of connection and tensors?

Connection and tensors have a wide range of applications in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science. Some examples include general relativity, fluid dynamics, computer vision, and machine learning.

5. Are there any limitations to the use of connection and tensors in mathematics?

While connection and tensors are powerful mathematical tools, they do have some limitations. For example, they may not be applicable in situations where the smooth manifold is highly curved or non-differentiable. Additionally, the calculations involved in using connection and tensors can become complex and computationally intensive.

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