How do I properly use Ricci calculus in this example?

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
2 replies · 3K views
jdbbou
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
upload_2016-7-19_15-25-43.png


Do I substitute [itex]A_\mu + \partial_\mu \lambda[/itex] everywhere [itex]A_\mu[/itex] appears, then expand out? Do I substitute a contravariant form of the substitution for [itex]A^\mu[/itex] as well? (If so, do I use a metric to convert it first?)

I’m new to Ricci calculus; an explanation as to the meaning of raised and lowered indices here would be greatly appreciated. Everything I've found online so far has been (unnecessarily, I feel) complicated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is what I've tried so far. Any suggestions? Was my justification for step (1) correct?

upload_2016-7-20_8-24-17.png