Field transformation under an active transformation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the transformation of fields under infinitesimal translations in the context of theoretical physics. Specifically, the field ##\phi_a(x)## transforms according to the equation ##\phi_a(x) \rightarrow \phi_a(x) + \epsilon^{\nu}\partial_{\nu}\phi_a(x)## when subjected to the translation ##x^{\nu} \rightarrow x^{\nu} - \epsilon^{\nu}##. The Taylor expansion is utilized to derive this transformation, clarifying the relationship between the field and its derivatives. The clarity of the explanation is attributed to Chapter 1 of Freedman and Van Proeyen's book, which serves as a valuable resource for understanding these transformations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinitesimal transformations in theoretical physics
  • Familiarity with Taylor expansions in multiple dimensions
  • Knowledge of field theory concepts and notation
  • Access to Freedman and Van Proeyen's "Supergravity" for reference
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of field transformations in quantum field theory
  • Learn about the implications of infinitesimal translations on physical systems
  • Explore advanced topics in field theory, such as gauge invariance
  • Review the mathematical foundations of Taylor series in multiple variables
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in physics, and anyone studying quantum field theory and its mathematical foundations.

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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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.
 

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