Coordinate-independence of equation for the parallel transport

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on demonstrating the coordinate-independence of the parallel transport equation for contravariant vectors, specifically the equation \(\dot{\lambda}^a + \Gamma^a_{bc} \lambda^b \dot{x}^c = 0\). The transformation formula for the Christoffel symbols, \(\Gamma^{a'}_{b'c'} = (\Gamma^{d}_{ef} X^{a'}_d - X^{a'}_{ef}) X^{e}_{b'} X^{f}_{c'}\), is crucial in this derivation. The user successfully identifies mistakes in their initial derivation, particularly regarding the handling of dummy indices and the transformation of tangent vectors, ultimately arriving at the correct conclusion that the equation holds in the \(x^a\) coordinate frame.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of contravariant vectors and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of parallel transport in differential geometry
  • Knowledge of Christoffel symbols and their transformation properties
  • Basic proficiency in tensor calculus and index notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the parallel transport equation in various coordinate systems
  • Learn about the implications of coordinate transformations on tensor equations
  • Explore the role of Christoffel symbols in general relativity and differential geometry
  • Investigate applications of parallel transport in physics, particularly in curved spacetime
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This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in mathematics and physics, particularly those focusing on differential geometry, general relativity, and tensor analysis.

rbwang1225
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Homework Statement


Please show that the defining equation for the parallel transport of a contravariant vector along a curve \dot{\lambda}^a+\Gamma^a_{bc}\lambda^b\dot{x}^c=0 is coordinate-independent, given that the transformation formula for the christoffel symbol being ##\Gamma^{a'}_{b'c'}=(\Gamma^{d}_{ef}X^{a'}_d-X^{a'}_{ef})X^{e}_{b'}X^{f}_{c'}##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I have stuck by the following derivation ##X^{a'}_{ab}\dot x^b\lambda^a+X^{a'}_a\dot\lambda^a+(\Gamma^{d}_{ef}X^{a'}_d-X^{a'}_{ef})X^{e}_{b'}X^{f}_{c'}(X^{c'}_{ef}\dot x^fx^e+X^{c'}_e\dot x^e)##, where I can't simplify it to the unprimed equation \dot{\lambda}^a+\Gamma^a_{bc}\lambda^b\dot{x}^c=0.
Any advice will be appreciated!
 
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Hello!
After think twice, I met some mistakes in the derivation.
First, dummy indexes were repeated in the same term.
Second, tangent vectors are transformed by ##\dot{x} ^{a'}=X^{a'}_a\dot x^a##

Now, I describe my derivation as follows.

The parallel transport equation for contravariant vector ##\lambda ^{a'}## along a curve ##\gamma## parametrized by t
##\dot\lambda^{a'}+\Gamma^{a'}_{b'c'}\lambda^{b'} \dot{x}^{c'}=0##
was transformed as
##\frac{dX^{a'}_a\lambda^a}{dt}+(\Gamma^{d}_{ef}X^{a'}_dX^{e}_{b'}X^f_{c'}-X^e_{b'}X^f_{c'}X^{a'}_{ef})(X^{b'}_b\lambda^bX^{c'}_c\dot x^c)##
##=X^{a'}_{ab}\lambda^a\dot x^b+X^{a'}_a\dot\lambda^a+\Gamma^d_{ef}X^{a'}_d \lambda ^e \dot x^f-\lambda^e \dot x^fX^{a'}_{ef}##
##=X^{a'}_a(\dot\lambda^a+\Gamma^a_{bc}\lambda^b \dot x^b)=0##
Since ##X^{a'}_a ## are arbitrary coefficients of transformation, ##\dot\lambda^a+\Gamma^a_{bc}\lambda^b \dot x^c)=0## in ##x^a## coordinate frame, as desired.

If I have fault, please kindly inform me.
 

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