Field transformation under an active transformation

In summary, the conversation discusses the transformation of the field ##\phi(x)## under infinitesimal translation ##x^\nu\rightarrow x^\nu-\epsilon^\nu##, which results in the new field ##\phi^{\prime}_a(x)##. The speaker is trying to prove this transformation using the Taylor expansion of ##f(x+\delta x)##, but is unsure where they went wrong. The other participant suggests referring to Chapter 1 of Freedman and Van Proeyen's book for a clear explanation of the transformation.
  • #1
spaghetti3451
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Under the infinitesimal translation ##x^{\nu} \rightarrow x^{\nu}-\epsilon^{\nu}##,

the field ##\phi(x)## transforms as ##\phi_{a}(x) \rightarrow \phi_{a}(x) + \epsilon^{\nu}\partial_{\nu}\phi_{a}(x)##.

I don't understand why the field transforms as above. Let me try to do the math.

The Taylor expansion of ##f(x+\delta x)##, where the argument ##x+\delta x## is a ##4##-vector and ##f## is a scalar, is ##f(x+\delta x)=f(x)+\frac{\partial f}{\partial x^{\nu}}(\delta x)^{\nu} + \dots##

So, ##\phi_{a}(x) \rightarrow \phi_{a}(x-\epsilon) = \phi_{a}(x) + (-\epsilon^{\nu})\partial_{\nu}\phi_{a}(x)##.

Now, where did I go wrong?
 
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  • #2
The translation you applied is ##x^\nu\to x^\nu - \epsilon^\nu##.
That's the only difference.

The field transformation you are trying to prove is ##\phi_a(x) \to \phi^{\prime}_a(x) \equiv \phi_a(x^\prime)=\phi_a(x+\epsilon)=\phi_a(x) +\epsilon^\nu\partial_\nu\phi_a(x)##.

I find the treatment in Chapter 1 of Freedman and Van Proeyen's book very clear.
 

What is a field transformation under an active transformation?

A field transformation under an active transformation is a process in which a field or physical quantity is transformed by a specific mathematical operation, such as rotation, translation, or scaling. This transformation is applied to each point in the field, resulting in a new field with different values at each point.

Why is field transformation under an active transformation important in science?

Field transformation under an active transformation is important in science because it allows us to study physical phenomena from different perspectives and understand how they change under different conditions. This is crucial for developing new theories and models to explain natural phenomena.

What are some examples of field transformations under an active transformation?

Some examples of field transformations under an active transformation include the transformation of a vector field under a rotation, the transformation of a temperature field under a translation, and the transformation of a stress field under a scaling.

How is a field transformation under an active transformation different from a passive transformation?

A field transformation under an active transformation is different from a passive transformation in that the former involves physically moving or changing the field itself, while the latter involves changing the coordinate system used to describe the field without physically altering it.

What are the applications of field transformation under an active transformation?

The applications of field transformation under an active transformation are numerous and diverse. They are used in various fields of science, such as physics, engineering, and biology, to study and understand a wide range of natural phenomena, from fluid dynamics to biological processes.

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