Gauge invariance of lagrangian density

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the gauge invariance of the Lagrangian density $$\mathcal{L} = F^{\mu \nu} F_{\mu \nu} + \frac{m^2}{2} A_{\mu} A^{\mu}$$, where $$F_{\mu \nu} = \partial_{\nu}A_{\mu} - \partial_{\mu}A_{\nu}$$. It is established that this Lagrangian density is not gauge invariant under the transformation $$A_{\mu} \to A_{\mu} + \partial_{\mu} f(x)$$. The equations of motion derived are $$F^{\mu \nu} = A^{\nu}$$, which also lack gauge invariance. The Lorentz condition $$\partial_{\mu} A^{\mu} = 0$$ is implied to eliminate extra terms introduced by the gauge transformation.

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  • Knowledge of the equations of motion derived from the Euler-Lagrange equation
  • Concept of the Lorentz condition in the context of gauge theories
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The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in physics, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of gauge theories and Lagrangian mechanics.

Dhyrim
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The problem:


$$\mathcal{L} = F^{\mu \nu} F_{\mu \nu} + m^2 /2 \ A_{\mu} A^{\mu} $$

with: $$ F_{\mu \nu} = \partial_{\nu}A_{\mu} - \partial_{\mu}A_{\nu} $$

1. Show that this lagrangian density is not gauge invariance

2.Derive the equations of motion, why is the Lorentzcondition still implied eventho there is no gauge invariance?

3.Construct the general solutions and discussI kinda know how to solve the first part, just by checking this transofrmation $$A_{\mu} \ \ to \ \ A_{\mu} + \partial_{\mu} f(x) $$

its clear that the lagrangian density is not invariant here.

I think the equations of motions should be:
$$ F^{\mu \nu} = A^{\nu} $$

and these are also, not gauge invariance. But why would the imply the condition:
$$\partial_{\mu} A^{\mu}$$
?

My guess it is because when you preform a gauge transform on the lagrangian density before deriving the equations of motion, you will get extra terms, these will make it so you get extra terms in the equations of motion, depending on this gauge transform, and they will vanish when this condition is in use.

I have no idea how to construct the general solution of this, can someone show me the answer to these?

Thx,
Dhyrim
 
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Could you show how you derived your equation of motion? or atleast give the steps? Can you see an issue with the EOM you have written down?
 

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