Covariance equations of motion and symmetry

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the covariance of the equations of motion under an infinitesimal symmetry transformation. The equations of motion are defined using the Lagrangian, which depends on fields and their derivatives. The user attempts to derive the transformation of the equations of motion but expresses confusion about the mathematical correctness of their approach, particularly regarding the treatment of the Lagrangian and partial derivatives. They seek clarification on the meaning of covariance in this context and acknowledge that the variation of the Lagrangian is not zero. The thread highlights the complexities involved in understanding symmetry transformations in the framework of classical mechanics.
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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:
<br /> E_i = \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i_{\mu}}\right)<br />
Symmetry transformation
<br /> \delta \chi^i = \xi^{\alpha} (\chi)<br />
Lagrangian
<br /> L = L(F^a, \chi^{\alpha}, \chi^{\alpha}_{\mu})<br />

<br /> \chi^{\alpha}_{\mu} = \partial_{\mu} \chi^{\alpha}<br />

The Attempt at a Solution

E_i &amp;= \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^i_{\mu}}\right)
= \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{&#039;\alpha}}\right) \left(\frac{\partial \chi^{&#039;\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left[\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{&#039; \alpha}_{\beta}}\right) \left(\frac{\partial \chi^{&#039; \alpha}_{\beta}}{\partial \chi^i_{\mu}} \right) \right]
= \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{&#039;i}}\right) + \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{&#039;\alpha}}\right)\left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i}\right) - \partial_{\mu} \left[\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{&#039;i}_{\mu}}\right) + \left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \chi^{&#039; \alpha}_{\mu}}\right) \left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i} \right)\right]
= E^{&#039;}_i + \left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i} \right) E_{\alpha}
at first order in xi.
The answer is
\delta E_i = - \left(\frac{\partial \xi^{\alpha}}{\partial \chi^i} \right) E_{\alpha}
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 \delta L 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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