How to switch from tensor products to wedge product

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the transition from tensor products to wedge products in the context of differential forms, specifically examining the definitions and properties of these mathematical constructs. The scope includes theoretical exploration and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a definition of the wedge product for two one-forms and seeks to demonstrate the relationship between tensor products and wedge products.
  • Another participant questions the implications of setting the two forms equal (A = B) in the context of the wedge product.
  • A participant checks the correctness of a specific computation for the case of n=2, involving the wedge product and tensor product, and provides a detailed breakdown of the steps.
  • Some participants affirm the correctness of the computation and assert that the wedge product is a specific type of tensor product, with one emphasizing that all products can be viewed as tensor products.
  • One participant highlights a crucial distinction between the wedge product and the tensor product, noting that while A ∧ A = 0, A ⊗ A is not zero.
  • A participant raises a question about the factor of 1/2 in the computation, suggesting a potential misunderstanding regarding the formulation of the wedge product.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the computation for n=2, but there are differing views on the implications of the wedge product's properties and the interpretation of the factor of 1/2. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific handling of the wedge product in relation to the tensor product.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the definitions of tensor and wedge products, and the implications of setting A equal to B are not fully explored. The treatment of the factor of 1/2 in the context of the wedge product is also not resolved.

victorvmotti
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Suppose we are given this definition of the wedge product for two one-forms in the component notation:

$$(A \wedge B)_{\mu\nu}=2A_{[\mu}B_{\nu]}=A_{\mu}B_{\nu}-A_{\nu}B_{\mu}$$

Now how can we show the switch from tensor products to wedge product below:

$$\epsilon=\epsilon_{\mu_{1}...\mu_{n}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\otimes...\otimes dx^{\mu_{n}}$$
$$=\frac{1}{n!}\epsilon_{\mu_{1}...\mu_{n}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\wedge...\wedge dx^{\mu_{n}}$$
 
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What happens to your equation, if ##A=B##?
 
Is this computation below for the case of ##n=2## correct?$$\epsilon= \frac{1}{2} ( \epsilon_{\mu_{1}\mu_{2}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\wedge dx^{\mu_{2}})$$
$$= \frac{1}{2} (\epsilon_{\mu_{1}\mu_{2}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\otimes dx^{\mu_{2}} - \epsilon_{\mu_{2}\mu_{1}}dx^{\mu_{2}}\otimes dx^{\mu_{1}})$$
$$= \frac{1}{2} ( \epsilon_{\mu_{1}\mu_{2}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\otimes dx^{\mu_{2}} - (-1) \epsilon_{\mu_{1}\mu_{2}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\otimes dx^{\mu_{2}} )$$
$$= \frac{1}{2}(2\epsilon_{\mu_{1}\mu_{2}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\otimes dx^{\mu_{2}})$$
$$= \epsilon_{\mu_{1}\mu_{2}}dx^{\mu_{1}}\otimes dx^{\mu_{2}}$$
 
Yes, the computation is correct. The wedge product is a particular type of tensor product.
 
dextercioby said:
Yes, the computation is correct. The wedge product is a particular type of tensor product.
In this literally universal view every product is a tensor product.

Edit: ##A \wedge A = 0## whereas ##A \otimes A## is not. This is a crucial difference.
 
Last edited:
Point 2. how we are getting 1/2 in front of the tensor product? it should have been A^B=AxB-BxA
 

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