Derivation of the Eqation of Motion from Fermi Lagrangian density

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equations of motion from the Fermi Lagrangian density in the covariant formalism of electromagnetism. The Lagrangian density is given by $$L=-\frac{1}{2} (\partial_n A_m)(\partial^n A^m) - \frac{1}{c} J_m A^m$$, leading to the equation of motion $$\partial_n \partial^n A^m = \frac{1}{c} J^m$$. Participants highlighted the importance of covariant treatment of indices and the necessity of the metric tensor in the Lagrangian formulation. The discussion also clarified that the incorrect form of the Lagrangian density presented by one participant was not covariant, thus invalidating it as a legitimate Lagrangian.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics, specifically in electromagnetism.
  • Familiarity with the Euler-Lagrange equations.
  • Knowledge of covariant and contravariant indices in tensor calculus.
  • Basic principles of metric tensors in general relativity.
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  • Study the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equations in the context of field theory.
  • Learn about the role of metric tensors in lowering and raising indices in tensor equations.
  • Explore the implications of covariant versus non-covariant Lagrangian densities.
  • Investigate the relationship between electric current density and field equations in electromagnetism.
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of electromagnetism and field theory.

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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