Explicit and Implicit Matrix Notation Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between Lorentz transformations and the Minkowski metric in the context of tensor notation. Specifically, it clarifies that the expression \( g_{\sigma\rho}\Lambda^{\sigma}_{\mu}\Lambda^{\rho}_{\nu} = g_{\mu\nu} \) can be rewritten as \( \Lambda^{T}g\Lambda = g \), where \( \Lambda \) belongs to the orthogonal group \( O(1,3) \). The necessity of transposing \( \Lambda \) arises from the requirement of proper matrix multiplication, where rows of \( g \) are summed with columns of \( \Lambda \). This ensures the correct alignment of components during multiplication.

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Alex86
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Ok so this is a fairly stupid question I'm sure, but I'm not quite clear about the following:

Given a Lorentz transformation we require the following to hold:

[tex]g_{\sigma\rho}\Lambda^{\sigma}_{\mu}\Lambda^{\rho}_{\nu} = g_{\mu\nu}[/tex]

In other notation this is written:

[tex]\Lambda^{T}g\Lambda = g[/tex]

where [tex]\Lambda \in O(1,3)[/tex] and g is the Minkowski metric.

The first use of tensor notation is fine, however I am unsure why in the second expression the first [tex]\Lambda[/tex] is transposed?

Any help greatly appreciated,
Alex
 
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In the first sum over sigma, the "rows" of g are summed with the "rows" of lambda. In matrix multiplication, rows are summed with columns. If we write lambda and g as matrices and want to express the same product as a matrix multiplication, then in order for the correct components to be multiplied, we must transpose lambda.
 

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