Einstein summation convention confusion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Einstein summation convention and its application in classical mechanics. The user questions whether the expression xixi is equivalent to xi2, clarifying that while they appear similar, they represent different concepts. Additionally, the user inquires about quantities that cannot be expressed using the summation convention, specifically referencing kinetic energy in a multi-particle system, which is often represented with sigma notation. The conversation highlights the limitations of the Einstein convention in expressing certain mathematical relationships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein summation convention
  • Familiarity with vector notation and indices
  • Knowledge of classical mechanics principles
  • Basic understanding of sigma notation
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  • Research the differences between Einstein summation and sigma notation
  • Explore the application of the Einstein convention in tensor calculus
  • Learn about the representation of kinetic energy in classical mechanics
  • Investigate the limitations of the Einstein summation convention in various contexts
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics and mathematical physics, will benefit from this discussion. It is also relevant for mathematicians and engineers dealing with vector and tensor analysis.

dyn
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Hi
If i have a vector r = ( x1 , x2 , x3) then i can write r2 as xixi where the i is summed over because it occurs twice. Now is xixi the same as xi2 ? I have come across an example where they are used as equivalent but i am confused because xi2 seems to be the square of just one component of r but xi2 also seems to be logically the same as xixi

My other question is ; are there some quantities that cannot be written in summation convention ? Such the kinetic energy of many particles . I have seen it written using sigma notation as the sum over k from 1 to N as mkvkvk but obviously k appears 3 times here. This applies to small oscillations where the rk is differentiated with respect to different variables . Are some quantities impossible to write in summation convention ?

Thanks
 
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My understanding of the Einstein convention is that it would be xixi.
 
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Thanks. My questions are just in reference to classical mechanics so in both questions i have asked all indices are lower indices
 
Use whatever can be read unambiguously without confusing the reader too much. I wouldn't expect the Einstein sum convention in classical mechanics at all, so a footnote or other comment would be useful anyway. Specify how you want to use it there.
 
I think a lot of this depends on context too. If you wrote ##y_i=x_i^2## it's pretty clear you're not summing, and if you write ##y=x_i^2## then you are. Assuming the book doesn't have a typo 😬
 
dyn said:
My other question is ; are there some quantities that cannot be written in summation convention ? Such the kinetic energy of many particles . I have seen it written using sigma notation as the sum over k from 1 to N as mkvkvk but obviously k appears 3 times here. This applies to small oscillations where the rk is differentiated with respect to different variables . Are some quantities impossible to write in summation convention ?
Because the convention assumes the universal quantifier, it can't express the existential quantifier. You can't say: $$\exists i: x_i = y_i$$
 

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