Derivation of the Eqation of Motion from Fermi Lagrangian density

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the equations of motion from the Fermi Lagrangian density within the context of electromagnetism. The original poster (OP) presents a specific Lagrangian density and seeks to understand how to apply the Euler-Lagrange equations to derive the desired equations of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The OP attempts to relate two different forms of the Lagrangian density and questions how to treat the fields involved. Participants question the covariant nature of the Lagrangian density presented by the OP and seek clarification on the treatment of indices and the metric tensor.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the OP's attempts and raising questions about the correctness of the Lagrangian density. Some participants express concerns about the covariant nature of the density and request the OP to provide more details about their work. The discussion is focused on clarifying concepts and exploring the implications of the Lagrangian formulation.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the OP may have referenced an incorrect form of the Lagrangian density found online, which has led to confusion regarding its covariant properties. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on the treatment of indices and the application of the metric tensor.

radioactive8
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Homework Statement


Hello, I am trying to find the equations of motion that come from the fermi lagrangian density of the covariant formalism of Electeomagnetism.

Homework Equations


The form of the L. density is:
$$L=-\frac{1}{2} (\partial_n A_m)(\partial^n A^m) - \frac{1}{c} J_m A^m$$

where J is the electric current.
The result has to be:

$$\partial_n \partial^n A^m = \frac{1}{c} J^m$$

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the Euler- Lagrange equations that derive the eq. of motion I do not understant if I have to treat the fields Am and Am. In addition, the Euler Lagrange equations from a L.density of the form:
$$L=-\frac{1}{2} (\partial_n A_m)(\partial_n A_m) - \frac{1}{c} J_m A^m$$
giveaway the wanted result. But I could not relate the two L.densities.
 
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How did you lower the indices to get the density in §3 ?
I think the density in §3 is not covariant and it is then incorrect.
There must be elements of the metric tensor missing in the density of §3 .
 
maajdl said:
How did you lower the indices to get the density in §3 ?
I think the density in §3 is not covariant and it is then incorrect.
There must be elements of the metric tensor missing in the density of §3 .

Indeed. OP, please show your work.
 
I did not lower any indices. And yes it is not covariant at all so it could not be a lagrangian. It was something a digged up on the internet while I was working at the solution of my problem. However, I did not notice while posting the thread that it was not covariant.

Now, Let's focus on the first L.density.

I tried playing with the indexes and my metric.

Is the following correct? :

$$L=-1/2(\partial_n A_m)( \partial^n A^m) = -\frac{1}{2} (g_{ns} \partial^s A_m)(g^{nr} \partial_r A^m) = -\frac{1}{2} \delta_{s}^{r}(\partial^s A_m)( \partial_r A^m)= -\frac{1}{2} (\partial^s A_m)(\partial_s A^m) $$

So the partial derivative $$\frac{ \partial L}{\partial (\partial_s A^m)}$$ equals:

$$\partial_s (\frac{ \partial L}{\partial (\partial_s A^m)})= \partial_s \partial^s A^m$$
 

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