# I Eigenvectors of the EM stress-energy tensor

#### Creedence

Summary
What do they mean?
My question is that what is the physical meaning of the EM stress-energy tensor's eigenvectors?
Thanks for the answers - Robert

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#### Paul Colby

Gold Member
I would think an eigenvector of a stress energy tensor to be that directed area for which the energy-momentum passing through is collinear with the area vector but I'm just guessing.

#### vanhees71

Gold Member
Isn't this rather provided by the eigenvectors of the $3 \times 3$ stress tensor alone and not the energy-momentum-stress tensor?

"Eigenvectors of the EM stress-energy tensor"

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