Euler lagrange equation and Einstein lagrangian

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Euler-Lagrange equation as presented in D'Inverno's Chapter 11, specifically focusing on the Hilbert-Einstein Lagrangian and its derivation from a previous equation. Participants are attempting to understand how to derive a specific expression for the derivative of the Lagrangian with respect to the metric tensor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equation from a previous equation, questioning how to handle derivatives of the metric tensor. Some are discussing the implications of ignoring certain terms and the relationship between the determinant of the metric tensor and Christoffel symbols.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations involved in deriving the equation. Some participants express confusion over specific terms and signs in their calculations, while others provide feedback and suggest checking for symmetry in the indices. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify misunderstandings and refine the approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is a focus on ensuring that the derivation aligns with the expectations set forth in the textbook.

shadi_s10
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Dear everyone

can anyone help me with the euler lagrange equation which is stated in d'inverno chapter 11?
in equation (11.26) it is said that when we use the hilbert-einstein lagrangian we can have:

∂L/(∂g_(ab,cd) )=(g^(-1/2) )[(1/2)(g^ac g^bd+g^ad g^bc )-g^ab g^cd ]

haw can we derive this out of (11.24)?


I tried to derive ∂L/(∂g_(ab,cd) ) out of (11.24), but I really don't know how to work with (∂g_(ab,cd) ?

please help me!
 
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shadi_s10 said:
Dear everyone

can anyone help me with the euler lagrange equation which is stated in d'inverno chapter 11?
in equation (11.26) it is said that when we use the hilbert-einstein lagrangian we can have:

∂L/(∂g_(ab,cd) )=(g^(-1/2) )[(1/2)(g^ac g^bd+g^ad g^bc )-g^ab g^cd ]

haw can we derive this out of (11.24)?


I tried to derive ∂L/(∂g_(ab,cd) ) out of (11.24), but I really don't know how to work with (∂g_(ab,cd) ?

please help me!

So let's think about it!

In the equation (11.24), you have to forget about the terms of the last two lines because they are all made of the first derivatives of the metric tensor or the products of 'em. Keeping this in mind, make use of the relation between the determinant of the metric tensor and the christoffel symbols that is a simple equation involving first derivatives of gab. Remember that?!

AB
 
Thanks for helping me again!

mmmmmmmmm
ok
let me see
here is what I do to get the equation:

(∂L_G)/(∂g_(ab,cd) )=∂/(∂g_(ab,cd) ) {g^cd [1/2 g^ef {g_(cf,de)+g_(df,ce)-g_(cd,fe) }-1/2 g^ef {g_(cf,ed)+g_(ef,cd)-g_(ce,fd) } ] }

now could you tell me what do you write for a term like this:
∂/(∂g_(ab,cd) )(g^cd g^ef g_(cf,de))

maybe I do not know how to work with this... :confused:
 
shadi_s10 said:
Thanks for helping me again!

mmmmmmmmm
ok
let me see
here is what I do to get the equation:

(∂L_G)/(∂g_(ab,cd) )=∂/(∂g_(ab,cd) ) {g^cd [1/2 g^ef {g_(cf,de)+g_(df,ce)-g_(cd,fe) }-1/2 g^ef {g_(cf,ed)+g_(ef,cd)-g_(ce,fd) } ] }

A nice work up to here! So you've taken in what exactly I said about keeping those terms including a single metric tensor differentiated twice w.r.t the coordinates.

now could you tell me what do you write for a term like this:
∂/(∂g_(ab,cd) )(g^cd g^ef g_(cf,de))

maybe I do not know how to work with this... :confused:

I give you this sample and wish to come to me with the final result and calculation procedure:

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/907/calf.jpg

AB
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks again for helping. :smile:


I did the exact thing but there is a minus sign which ruins everything!
here is what I have:

(∂L_G)/(∂g_(ab,cd) )

=1/2(g^ac g^db+g^ca g^db-g^ab g^dc-g^ad g^cb-g^cd g^ab+g^ad g^bc)

=1/2 √(-g)(2g^ac g^db-2g^ab g^dc)

which clearly is not (11.26)

a problem is that -g^ad g^cb and +g^ad g^bc vanish together! (the third term and the last one)
and another one is that g^ac g^db+g^ca g^db=2g^ac g^db

am I wrong?
 
shadi_s10 said:
Thanks again for helping. :smile:


I did the exact thing but there is a minus sign which ruins everything!
here is what I have:

(∂L_G)/(∂g_(ab,cd) )

=1/2(g^ac g^db+g^ca g^db-g^ab g^dc-g^ad g^cb-g^cd g^ab+g^ad g^bc)

=1/2 √(-g)(2g^ac g^db-2g^ab g^dc)

which clearly is not (11.26)

a problem is that -g^ad g^cb and +g^ad g^bc vanish together! (the third term and the last one)
and another one is that g^ac g^db+g^ca g^db=2g^ac g^db

am I wrong?

I want you to check your calculation again. Your result has a major error.

AB
 
I'm confused! This is exactly what I get from the deltas!
would you please tke a look at this:

(∂L_G)/(∂g_(ab,cd) )

=1/2 g^cd g^ef [(δ_c^a δ_f^b δ_d^c δ_e^d+δ_d^a δ_f^b δ_c^c δ_e^d-δ_c^a δ_d^b δ_f^c δ_e^d )-(δ_c^a δ_f^b δ_e^c δ_d^d+δ_e^a δ_f^b δ_c^c δ_d^d-δ_c^a δ_e^b δ_f^c δ_d^d )]

=1/2(g^ac g^db+g^ca g^db-g^ab g^dc-g^ad g^cb-g^cd g^ab+g^ad g^bc)

and this is 1/2 √(-g)(2g^ac g^db-2g^ab g^dc)
= √(-g)(g^ac g^db-g^ab g^dc)

:rolleyes:
 
shadi_s10 said:
I'm confused! This is exactly what I get from the deltas!
would you please tke a look at this:

(∂L_G)/(∂g_(ab,cd) )

=1/2 g^cd g^ef [(δ_c^a δ_f^b δ_d^c δ_e^d+δ_d^a δ_f^b δ_c^c δ_e^d-δ_c^a δ_d^b δ_f^c δ_e^d )-(δ_c^a δ_f^b δ_e^c δ_d^d+δ_e^a δ_f^b δ_c^c δ_d^d-δ_c^a δ_e^b δ_f^c δ_d^d )]

=1/2(g^ac g^db+g^ca g^db-g^ab g^dc-g^ad g^cb-g^cd g^ab+g^ad g^bc)

and this is 1/2 √(-g)(2g^ac g^db-2g^ab g^dc)
= √(-g)(g^ac g^db-g^ab g^dc)

:rolleyes:

Everything is okay with your calculation now! The only thing to be remembered is that (∂L_G)/∂g_(ab,cd) is symmetric in the indices c and d. So you need to just put

g^{ac} g^{db} = 1/2(g^{ac} g^{db}+g^{ad} g^{cb})

to get the equation (11.26) of D'inverno!

AB
 
oh my god!
that's it!
thank you very very much!
(I don't know why, but I usually forget the symmetry! :biggrin:)

Thanks!
 

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