Covariance equations of motion and symmetry

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the covariance of the equations of motion under an infinitesimal symmetry transformation, specifically using the Lagrangian formalism. The equations of motion are defined as \(E_i = \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i_{\mu}}\right)\) and the symmetry transformation is given by \(\delta \chi^i = \xi^{\alpha} (\chi)\). The participant attempts to derive the transformation of the equations of motion, ultimately arriving at \(\delta E_i = - \left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i} \right) E_{\alpha}\) but expresses confusion regarding the mathematical correctness of the approach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics and the principle of least action.
  • Familiarity with the concept of symmetry transformations in physics.
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives and their application in field theory.
  • Basic grasp of covariance in the context of physical equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equations in Lagrangian mechanics.
  • Learn about Noether's theorem and its implications for symmetries and conservation laws.
  • Research the mathematical treatment of infinitesimal transformations in field theory.
  • Explore examples of covariance in classical and quantum field theories.
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Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on classical mechanics, field theory, and the mathematical foundations of symmetry in physical laws.

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Homework Statement


Hi, I need to proof the covariance of the equations of motion under an infinitesimal symmetry transformation.

Homework Equations


Equations of motion:
[tex] E_i = \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i_{\mu}}\right)[/tex]
Symmetry transformation
[tex] \delta \chi^i = \xi^{\alpha} (\chi)[/tex]
Lagrangian
[tex] L = L(F^a, \chi^{\alpha}, \chi^{\alpha}_{\mu})[/tex]

[tex] \chi^{\alpha}_{\mu} = \partial_{\mu} \chi^{\alpha}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution

[tex]E_i &= \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i_{\mu}}\right)[/tex]
[tex]= \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{'\alpha}}\right) \left(\frac{\partial \chi^{'\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left[\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{' \alpha}_{\beta}}\right) \left(\frac{\partial \chi^{' \alpha}_{\beta}}{\partial \chi^i_{\mu}} \right) \right][/tex]
[tex]= \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{'i}}\right) + \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{'\alpha}}\right)\left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left[\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{'i}_{\mu}}\right) + \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{' \alpha}_{\mu}}\right) \left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i} \right)\right][/tex]
[tex]= E^{'}_i + \left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i} \right) E_{\alpha}[/tex]
at first order in xi.
The answer is
[tex]\delta E_i = - \left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i} \right) E_{\alpha}[/tex]
I have no clue actually how to do this...
because L is a function of Chi, but I take the partial derivative towards chi' ,... Actually I have no clue how to do it mathematically correct..
Is it completely wrong or... Is there another way,..
Note that [tex]\delta L[/tex] is not zero and doesn't need to be a complete derivative.

What does this covariance exactly mean?
 
Last edited:
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Found it by using the action.

Thanks
 

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