Divergence of (covaraint) energymomentum tensor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the divergence of the covariant energy-momentum tensor in the context of spatially flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmology. Participants explore the implications of using covariant versus contravariant components of the energy-momentum tensor and the resulting equations of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the covariant derivative of the covariant energy-momentum tensor, \(T_{ab;b}\), does not yield the same results as the covariant derivative of the contravariant tensor, \(T^{ab}_{;b}\), in flat FLRW cosmology.
  • Others argue that covariant and contravariant components are inherently different and should not be expected to yield the same results.
  • There is a suggestion that the equations of motion should remain consistent regardless of whether covariant or contravariant forms are used, although this is contested.
  • Some participants express confusion over the mathematical validity of contracting indices and the implications for the conservation of energy-momentum.
  • A few participants emphasize the importance of proper notation and the potential pitfalls of using incorrect expressions.
  • There are references to specific mathematical expressions and their implications for the equations of motion, with some participants providing detailed derivations.
  • Several participants express frustration or confusion regarding the use of certain expressions and their correctness in the context of General Relativity.
  • Some participants recommend resources for further study in differential geometry and tensor calculus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the validity and implications of using covariant versus contravariant forms of the energy-momentum tensor. There is no consensus on whether the equations of motion should yield the same results when using different tensor forms.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the mathematical steps involved in the derivations and the assumptions underlying the use of covariant and contravariant components. Some participants note the potential for confusion stemming from notation and the interpretation of tensor equations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying General Relativity, cosmology, and differential geometry.

Torg
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whyT^[ab][;b]≠T_[ab][;b] for spatially flat FLWR cosmology ((ds)^2=(c^2)* (dt)^2-a(t)^2[(dx)^2+(dy)^2+(dz)^2])?
τ[ab][/;b] gives the right answer, but not τ[ab][/;b].

(T^(ab) or T_(ab)) contra-variant and co-variant energy momentum tensor of perfect fluid
(;) covariant derivative,
(c) spped of light in vacuum
 
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Because covariant components generally are not the same as contravariant components. This should not come as a surprise.

Torg said:
τ[ab][/;b] gives the right answer, but not τ[ab][/;b].
Here you just wrote the same thing twice. I suggest using LaTeX to better transmit the meaning of your post.
 
$${T}_{ab;b}=0$$ \ne $${T}^{ab}_{;b}=0$$ for flat FLWR cosmology line element $${ds}^{2}=(c^{2}(dt)^{2}-a(t)^{2}[(dx)^{2}+(dy)^{2}+(dz)^{2}])$$
 
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Symbols need fixing.
Orodruin said:
Because covariant components generally are not the same as contravariant components. This should not come as a surprise.Here you just wrote the same thing twice. I suggest using LaTeX to better transmit the meaning of your post.
I agree
 
But the equations o motion should be the same whether i use covariant or contrvariant. They mathematical
construct!
 
Torg said:
But the equations o motion should be the same whether i use covariant or contrvariant. They mathematical
construct!
The equations of motion yes, but not every tensor ... etc.
 
Torg said:
${T}_{ab;b}=0$ \ne ${T}^{ab}_{;b}=0$ for flat FLWR cosmology line element ${ds}^{2}=(c^{2}(dt)^{2}-a(t)^{2}[(dx)^{2}+(dy)^{2}+(dz)^{2}])$
See https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

Regardless, it does not change the answer. You have not explained why you would expect contravariant and covariant components to be the same.
 
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Torg said:
But the equations o motion should be the same whether i use covariant or contrvariant. They mathematical
construct!
##\nabla_b T^{ab}## is a nice expression that transforms as a contravariant vector. ##\nabla_b T_{ab}## is not and it makes no sense to write it down as it does not transform covariantly. You could write ##\nabla^b T_{ab}=0##, which would be equivalent to ##\nabla_b T^{ab} = 0##, but the left-hand sides would be different (although the entire system of equations would be equivalent).
 
\[\begin{array}{l}

{T^{ab}}_{;b} = {T^{ab}}_{,b} + {\Gamma _{bc}}^a{T^{bc}} + {\Gamma _{bd}}^b{T^{ad}} \\

{T_{ab;b}} = {T_{ab;b}} - {\Gamma _{ab}}^c{T_{bc}} - {\Gamma _{bb}}^d{T_{ad}} \\

\end{array}\]



The zero components give

\[\begin{array}{l}

{T^{0b}}_{;b} = {T^{0b}}_{,b} + {\Gamma _{bc}}^0{T^{bc}} + {\Gamma _{bd}}^b{T^{0d}} = {T^{00}}_{,0} + {\Gamma _{11}}^0{T^{11}} + {\Gamma _{22}}^0{T^{22}} + {\Gamma _{33}}^0{T^{33}} + {\Gamma _{01}}^0{T^{00}} + {\Gamma _{02}}^0{T^{00}} + {\Gamma _{03}}^0{T^{00}} \\

{T_{0b;b}} = {T_{0b;b}} - {\Gamma _{0b}}^c{T_{bc}} - {\Gamma _{bb}}^d{T_{0d}} = {T_{00}}_{,0} - {\Gamma _{01}}^1{T_{11}} - {\Gamma _{02}}^2{T_{22}} - {\Gamma _{03}}^3{T_{33}} - {\Gamma _{11}}^0{T_{00}} - {\Gamma _{22}}^0{T_{00}} - {\Gamma _{33}}^0{T_{00}} \\

\end{array}\]
\[{T^{ab}}_{;b} \ne {T_{ab;b}}\]
 

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  • #10
they don't give the same answer
 
  • #11
Torg said:
they don't give the same answer
They are not supposed to.
[Why would they? Explain]
 
  • #12
Torg said:
they don't give the same answer
As you have already been told, one of the expressions is fine and the other is essentially nonsense.
 
  • #13
Because both are zero when energymomentum is conserved in General Relativity and they should give the same answer for equation of motion.
 
  • #14
The upper expression gives the true Frieman's equations, but the lower one doesn't. That what amazes me. I have been working on it for days couldn't get right.
 
  • #15
Not true. ##T^{ab}{}_{;b}## represents conservation of energy, yes. ##T_{ab;b}## doesn't mean anything. You can't contract a lower index with a lower index - it doesn't mean anything.
 
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  • #16
shall i just forget about it? I use the lower expression a lot.
 
  • #17
Torg said:
but the lower one doesn't.
It's not supposed to.
Torg said:
shall i just forget about it? I use the lower expression a lot.
I agree with the others. It means nothing
 
  • #18
Torg said:
shall i just forget about it? I use the lower expression a lot.
You should forget about using that expression. It is just wrong.
 
  • #19
Why do I need to contact it? when i use EFEs in their covariant form and when I differentiate both sides covariantly and put the divergence of the energymomentum tensor equals to zero the left hand side should give the same set of equation of motion.
 
  • #20
Taking the divergence is a contraction.
 
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  • #21
A lower and upper index can be contracted over because their product is a Lorentz scalar. A vector is a map from the space of co-vectors to the reals.

But a co-vector does not map a co-vector to a real. So contracting them isn't expected to produce a consistent result.

Ben Crowell gives an example of a frequency (a covariant quantity) and a time (a contravariant quantity). The product is the number of cycles in the time period, independent of the units used (a scalar). You can convert a frequency to a period by taking the reciprocal (lower an index). And you can multiply that period by the time. But the result is unit-dependent and physically meaningless.
 
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  • #22
I am really sad! to give up using EFEs in their covariant form when it comes to apply the conservation of energymomentum tensor.
 
  • #23
You can always raise an index on the covariant derivative operator, as Orodruin noted. ##\nabla^bT_{ab}## is fine and each element is a linear combination of the elements of ##\nabla_bT^{ab}##.
 
  • #24
I got it, but I will take it with a grain of salt.
 
  • #25
I have to checked that if it doesn't affect the Bianchi second identity.
 
  • #26
I understand it now. Thank you all very much for the help. You have been excellent in explaining it.
 
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  • #27
If you struggle with this kind of manipulations I would strongly suggest that you read up on differential geometry using a dedicated text that is more detailed than the summary you would typically find in a GR textbook.
 
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  • #28
Torg said:
I understand it now. Thank you all very much for the help. You have been excellent in explaining it.
And again welcome to PF! I hope it works for you now. I'll go back to the chat later (it's still there).

Note: within 4hrs you can edit your last post (in general) instead of making many consecutive ones, if no one is in between.
 
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  • #29
Torg said:
shall i just forget about it? I use the lower expression a lot.
Younshould not use the lower expression ever. It is syntactically wrong. Never contract a lower index with a lower index.
 
  • #30
Thank you all again.
I will ask for much today :-)
I would like to know name of a good reference in introductory Differential Geometry.
I struggled whole night with the second expression below, I couldn't figure out the positions of the indices

\[\begin{array}{l}
{T^{ab}}_{;b} = {T^{ab}}_{,b} + {\Gamma _{bc}}^a{T^{bc}} + {\Gamma _{bd}}^b{T^{ad}} \\
{T_{ab}}^{;b} = {T_{ab}}^{,b} - {\Gamma _{..}}^{.}{T_{..}} - {\Gamma _{..}}^{.}{T_{..}} \\
\end{array}\]
but happily I could write latex expression in PF :-)

I need a paper which I don't have and I couldn't afford and my institution too! one of these is about non-conserved of energy momentum tensor by Rastall.
 
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