How Can I Simplify an Equation Involving Levi-Civita Tensors and Indices?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying an equation involving Levi-Civita tensors and indices, specifically focusing on the manipulation of terms to eliminate the Levi-Civita symbol while expressing a tensor in terms of its Hodge dual. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to tensor calculus and differential geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation involving the Levi-Civita tensor and seeks assistance in manipulating it to eliminate the tensor from one term while converting another term to its Hodge dual.
  • Another participant suggests starting by rewriting the tensor in terms of the components of the Hodge dual to facilitate the simplification process.
  • A question is raised about the expression for the Hodge dual, specifically whether it can be represented as ##\tilde{G}^{\mu\nu}=\frac{1}{2}\epsilon^{\mu\nu\rho\sigma}G_{\rho\sigma}##.
  • A participant indicates that inverting the expression is necessary to express the left term in terms of the Hodge dual.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in manipulating the indices correctly to achieve the desired form.
  • A speculative attempt is made to express the relationship between the Levi-Civita tensor and the tensor in question, though the participant expresses uncertainty about its correctness.
  • A question is posed regarding the relation between the Levi-Civita symbol and the Kronecker delta in four dimensions.
  • A reference to a Wikipedia entry on the Kronecker delta and its generalization is provided as a potential resource for clarification.
  • A mathematical relation involving the Levi-Civita symbols is shared, with a participant indicating their newness to the terminology and concepts involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various approaches and suggestions, but there is no consensus on the correct method for simplifying the equation or the specific manipulations required. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express challenges related to index placement and the manipulation of tensor expressions, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the underlying mathematical principles.

PhyAmateur
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I have an equation that says $$C_1\partial_{\mu}G^{\mu\nu}+C_2\frac{1}{2}\epsilon^{\mu\nu\rho\sigma}\partial_{\mu}G_{\rho\sigma}=0$$ If I want to get rid of the ##\epsilon^{\mu\nu\rho\sigma}## in the second term, I know I must multiply the equation by some other ##\epsilon## with different set of indices, but I could use some help in knowing what those incides must be to avoid repeating dummy indices and at the same time being able to end up with an equation with a new epsilon present in the first term (the one with ##C_1##). My aim from all this process is to convert the first ##G^{\mu\nu}## to ##\star G^{\mu\nu}##, i.e., the Hodge dual of ##G^{\mu\nu}##. Any tip will do it, thanks guys!
 
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I suggest starting by rewriting the ##G^{\mu\nu}## in terms of the components of the hodge dual, this should get you started.
 
Do you mean that ##\tilde{G}^{\mu\nu}=\frac{1}{2}\epsilon^{\mu\nu\rho\sigma}G_{\rho\sigma}##?
 
Yes, but if you want the left term to be expressed in the hodge dual, you need to invert that expression.
 
Yes, that is what I am having troubles in. To take the epsilon to the other side where the index placement is giving me a hard time.
 
I will give it a shot though I feel I am mistaken: Maybe, this would be more like: ##2\epsilon^{\mu\nu\rho\sigma}\tilde{G}_{\rho\sigma}=G^{\mu\nu}##? Is this by any chance correct? @Orodruin
 
How does the ##\varepsilon##-##\delta## relation look in four dimensions?
 
This part of the wikipedia entry on the Kronecker delta and its generalisation might help.
 
$$\epsilon^{\rho\sigma\mu\nu}\epsilon_{\mu\nu\rho'\sigma'}=-2(\delta^{\rho}_{\rho'}\delta^{\sigma}_{\sigma'}-\delta^{\rho}_{\sigma'}\delta^{\sigma}_{\rho'})$$

I hope this is what you mean as I am new to those terminologies and to differential geometry in general. Please bear with me @Orodruin .
 

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