Energy of Scalar Field: Evaluating Rubakov's Expression

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical detail in the context of field theory, specifically regarding the expression for energy derived from the Lagrangian density as presented in Rubakov's work. The original poster seeks clarification on the derivation of a specific expression related to the variation of the Lagrangian with respect to the time derivative of the scalar field.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how the expression for the variation of the Lagrangian with respect to the time derivative of the field is derived. Some participants question whether there is a distinction between the Lagrangian and the Lagrangian density, suggesting that this might clarify the confusion in the expression.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the potential confusion between the terms used in the context of Lagrangian and Lagrangian density. Some suggest that a clarification regarding the notation might resolve the issues raised by the original poster. There is an acknowledgment of possible typographical errors in the text being referenced.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the terminology used in field theory texts, particularly regarding the notation for Lagrangian density and its implications for understanding the expressions involved. Participants note that the use of different fonts for the Lagrangian density may help distinguish it from the Lagrangian itself.

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Homework Statement


My question is just about a small mathematical detail, but I'll give some context anyways.
(From Rubakov Sec. 2.2)
An expression for energy is given by
E= \int{}d^3x\frac{\delta{}L}{\delta{}\dot{\phi}(\vec{x})}\dot{\phi}(\vec{x}) - L,<br />
where L is the Lagrangian,
<br /> L=\int{}d^3{}x(\frac{1}{2}\dot{\phi}^2-\frac{1}{2}\partial_i\phi\partial_i\phi-\frac{m^2}{2}\phi^2).<br />
To derive the expression for energy, Rubakov says that
<br /> \frac{\delta{}L}{\delta{}\dot{\phi}(\vec{x})}=\dot{\phi}(\vec{x}).<br />
What I want to know is, simply, how does he get this expression for
<br /> \frac{\delta{}L}{\delta{}\dot{\phi}(\vec{x})}<br />?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


If I evaluate the expression, I just get
<br /> \delta{}L=\int{}d^3x(\dot{\phi}).<br />

Where'd the integral go in Rubakov's expression?
 
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I may be wrong, but I believe what is happening is a confusion between the Lagrangian and the Lagrangian density. Look at the expression for the energy, it has an integral in it, so probably the ##L## which appears in there should actually be the Lagrangian density ##\mathcal{L}## defined by ##L=\int d^3x \mathcal{L}##
 
Ah, that would make a lot of sense (and fix the weird unit problem). Maybe there's a tiny typo in the text.
 
A lot of field theory texts refer to the Lagrangian density as simply the "Lagrangian", so the language might be confusing. Usually the notation is used so that the Lagrangian density is in a calligraphic font though.
 

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