General Relativity asymmetry identity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in general relativity involving the manipulation of tensor equations, specifically focusing on the expression ##R^{u}_{o b u } F^{o}_a - R^{u}_{oau}F^{o}_{b}## and its relation to antisymmetrization with respect to the tensor ##F_{uv}##, which is antisymmetric.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of antisymmetrization in tensor calculus and question how certain terms, such as ##R_{oo}F^a_b##, might arise in the context of the problem. There is also discussion about the conventions for antisymmetrizing indices at different levels.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the conventions of antisymmetrization and expressing uncertainty about the necessary terms in the equation. Some participants are questioning their understanding of the conventions and how they apply to the problem at hand.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a specific reference to Ricci calculus and the conventions used therein, which may influence the interpretation of the problem. Participants are also considering the implications of the antisymmetry of the tensor ##F_{uv}## on the overall equation.

binbagsss
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Homework Statement



I have ##R^{u}_{o b u } F^{o}_a - R^{u}_{oau}F^{o}_{b}##

and I want to show that this equal to ##2R_{o[aF^{o}_b]}##

where ## [ ] ## denotes antisymmetrization , and ##F_{uv} ## is a anitymstric tensor

Homework Equations



Since ##F_{uv} ##is antisymetric the antisymetrization ##2R_{o[aF^{o}_b}]## reduces to ## 3(R^{u}_{o b u } F^{o}_a - R^{u}_{oau}F^{o}_{b} + R_{oo}F^a_b)##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Contracting to get the Ricci tensor and using that ##F_{uv} ## is antisymetric

##R^{u}_{o b u } F^{o}_a - R^{u}_{oau}F^{o}_{b}=R_{o b } F^{o}_a + R_{oa}F^{o}_{b}##
##=R{o b } F^{a}_o + R_{oa}F^{o}_{b}##

I can see that there needs to be a ##R_{oo}F^a_b ## term added somewhere, which I can't see where this is going to come from unless this is zero ? which I can't see that it is, and even then Id get a factor of ##3## rather than the ##2## needed.

Many thanks in advance.
 
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Go to this link and then scroll up into the previous section about 10 lines.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricci_calculus#Differentiation

It says,
As with symmetrization, indices are not antisymmetrized when they are not on the same level, for example;
$$ A_{[\alpha }B^{\beta }{}_{\gamma ]}={\dfrac {1}{2!}}\left(A_{\alpha }B^{\beta }{}_{\gamma }-A_{\gamma }B^{\beta }{}_{\alpha }\right)$$
I don't know if you are meant to adopt this convention.
 
TSny said:
Go to this link and then scroll up into the previous section about 10 lines.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricci_calculus#Differentiation

It says,
As with symmetrization, indices are not antisymmetrized when they are not on the same level, for example;
$$ A_{[\alpha }B^{\beta }{}_{\gamma ]}={\dfrac {1}{2!}}\left(A_{\alpha }B^{\beta }{}_{\gamma }-A_{\gamma }B^{\beta }{}_{\alpha }\right)$$
I don't know if you are meant to adopt this convention.

ahh right thank you,
and you can surely get this from the antisymmetrization of indices on the same level by raising an index?
 
binbagsss said:
you can surely get this from the antisymmetrization of indices on the same level by raising an index?

I don't think so unless I'm overlooking something.

Suppose we have a tensor ##C_{\alpha}{} ^{\mu}{} _{\beta}##. Then we can antisymmetrize over ##\alpha## and ##\beta## to produce another tensor ##C_{[\alpha}{} ^{\mu}{} _{\beta]}##.

But it would not generally be true that ##C_{[\alpha}{} ^{\mu}{} _{\beta]} = g^{\mu \tau} C_{[\alpha \tau \beta]}##.

Instead, you would have to write ##C_{[\alpha}{} ^{\mu}{} _{\beta]} = g^{\mu \tau} C_{[\alpha |\tau |\beta]}## where we use another convention that indices located between vertical bars are to be ignored in the antisymmetrization.

That's how I see it, anyway.
 
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