- #1
Dixanadu
- 254
- 2
Hey guys,
So in my notes I've got this statement written:
If tensor with no symmetry properties, [itex]A^{\mu\nu}[/itex], contracts to [itex]a_{\mu\nu}[/itex], we can write this as [itex]A^{\mu\nu}a_{\mu\nu}=\frac{1}{2}a_{\mu\nu}(A^{\mu\nu}-A^{\nu\mu})[/itex] as [itex]a_{\mu\nu} (A^{\mu\nu}+A^{\nu\mu}) = 0[/itex]. So I don't see how the symmetric part contracts to 0.
*Note* I do also have written that [itex]a^{\mu\nu}=-a^{\nu\mu}[/itex] but I am not sure if this is relevant.
I understand that you can decompose the tensor [itex]A^{\mu\nu}[/itex] into the sum of symmetric and anti-symmetric parts, but i don't see why the symmetric part vanishes under contraction.
If someone could explain I'd be very grateful - thank you!
So in my notes I've got this statement written:
If tensor with no symmetry properties, [itex]A^{\mu\nu}[/itex], contracts to [itex]a_{\mu\nu}[/itex], we can write this as [itex]A^{\mu\nu}a_{\mu\nu}=\frac{1}{2}a_{\mu\nu}(A^{\mu\nu}-A^{\nu\mu})[/itex] as [itex]a_{\mu\nu} (A^{\mu\nu}+A^{\nu\mu}) = 0[/itex]. So I don't see how the symmetric part contracts to 0.
*Note* I do also have written that [itex]a^{\mu\nu}=-a^{\nu\mu}[/itex] but I am not sure if this is relevant.
I understand that you can decompose the tensor [itex]A^{\mu\nu}[/itex] into the sum of symmetric and anti-symmetric parts, but i don't see why the symmetric part vanishes under contraction.
If someone could explain I'd be very grateful - thank you!
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