Covariant derivative of field strength tensor

In summary, the conversation is about deriving the relations on the right hand column of equation (4) in a specific paper. The person is struggling with understanding the third row, which involves the equation D_rho B_mu_nu = partial_rho B_mu_nu. They mention that this equation doesn't match their calculation, but upon further examination, it seems to imply that B_rho multiplied by the difference of partial_mu B_nu and partial_nu B_mu is equal to zero. The person then asks for clarification on what they may be missing. The response is that the field tensor transforms according to the adjoint representation, not the fundamental one, and for an Abelian group, the structure constants are zero.
  • #1
d8586
6
0
Hi,

I am struggling to derive the relations on the right hand column of eq.(4) in https://arxiv.org/pdf/1008.4884.pdfEven the easy abelian one (third row)

which is

$$D_\rho B_{\mu\nu}=\partial_\rho B_{\mu\nu}$$

doesn't match my calculation

Since

$$D_\rho B_{\mu\nu}=(\partial_\rho+i g B_\rho)(\partial_\mu B_\nu-\partial_\nu B_\mu)$$

the equation seems to imply that

$$B_\rho (\partial_\mu B_\nu-\partial_\nu B_\mu)=0$$

What am I missing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
d8586 said:
What am I missing?

The field tensor transforms according to the adjoint representation, not the fundamental one. The structure constants for an Abelian group are zero.
 
  • Like
Likes d8586
  • #3
Orodruin said:
The field tensor transforms according to the adjoint representation, not the fundamental one. The structure constants for an Abelian group are zero.

Thank you very much!
 

1. What is the covariant derivative of the field strength tensor?

The covariant derivative of the field strength tensor is a mathematical operation used in differential geometry and field theory to calculate how a vector field changes as it moves along a curved space. It takes into account the curvature of the space and allows for the formulation of equations that are invariant under coordinate transformations.

2. What is the significance of the covariant derivative in field theory?

The covariant derivative is an important tool in field theory as it allows for the formulation of equations that are consistent with the principles of general relativity. It takes into account the curvature of space and ensures that physical laws remain invariant under coordinate transformations, making it essential in the study of relativistic systems.

3. How is the covariant derivative of the field strength tensor calculated?

The covariant derivative is calculated by taking the partial derivative of the field strength tensor and adding terms that account for the curvature of space. This involves using the Christoffel symbols, which represent the connection between different coordinate systems in a curved space, and the metric tensor, which describes the curvature of space at a given point.

4. What is the difference between the covariant derivative and the ordinary derivative?

The covariant derivative takes into account the curvature of space, while the ordinary derivative does not. This means that the covariant derivative is better suited for use in curved spaces, while the ordinary derivative is used in flat spaces. Additionally, the covariant derivative is invariant under coordinate transformations, while the ordinary derivative is not.

5. What are some practical applications of the covariant derivative of the field strength tensor?

The covariant derivative is used extensively in general relativity and other branches of physics that involve curved spaces, such as cosmology and astrophysics. It is also used in modern theories of particle physics, such as the Standard Model, to describe the behavior of fundamental particles in a consistent and invariant way. Additionally, the covariant derivative has applications in engineering, particularly in the study of fluid dynamics and electromagnetism.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
1
Views
281
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
726
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
34
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top