Understanding Infinitesimal Transformations in Rotational Symmetry

In summary, the given equations show a rotation transformation for $F_{\mu\nu}$ and $G_{\mu\nu}$ with a rotation angle of $\alpha$. For an infinitesimal transformation with a small $\alpha$, the new tensors are approximated to be equal to the old tensors plus $\alpha$ multiplied by the star product of $G_{\mu\nu}$ and $F_{\mu\nu}$. The infinitesimal transformation is obtained by subtracting the new tensors from the old tensors.
  • #1
PhyAmateur
105
2
If we have:

$$F_{\mu\nu} \rightarrow \cos\alpha F_{\mu\nu} +\sin\alpha \star G_{\mu\nu}$$
$$G_{\mu\nu} \rightarrow \cos\alpha G_{\mu\nu} +\sin\alpha \star F_{\mu\nu}$$
for rotation $\alpha$.

If infinitesimal transformation for small alpha one gets

$$\delta F_{\mu\nu} = \delta\alpha~\star G_{\mu\nu}$$
$$\delta G_{\mu\nu} = \delta\alpha~\star F_{\mu\nu}.$$

How do we get the infinitesimal transformation? I didn't understand the procedure. I know that $\cos\alpha \sim1$ and $\sin\alpha \sim\alpha$ but when I am substituting back I am not getting the same $\delta F_{\mu\nu}$ as above.
 
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  • #2
Your new tensors are going to be:
$$
\begin{cases}
F_{\mu\nu}^\prime=\cos\alpha F_{\mu\nu}+\sin\alpha\star G_{\mu\nu}\simeq F_{\mu\nu}+\alpha\star G_{\mu\nu} \\
G_{\mu\nu}^\prime=\cos\alpha G_{\mu\nu}+\sin\alpha\star F_{\mu\nu}\simeq G_{\mu\nu}+\alpha\star F_{\mu\nu}
\end{cases}.
$$
The variations of the tensors themselves are defined as the new tensors minus the old ones: [itex]\delta F_{\mu\nu}=F_{\mu\nu}^\prime-F_{\mu\nu}[/itex] and [itex]\delta G_{\mu\nu}=G_{\mu\nu}^\prime-G_{\mu\nu}[/itex]. And thus you obtain what you are looking for.
 
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Likes PhyAmateur
  • #3
Thank youuu a lot!
 

1. What is an infinitesimal transformation?

An infinitesimal transformation is a mathematical concept that involves making a very small change to a variable or function. It is often used in calculus and physics to model continuous changes.

2. How is infinitesimal transformation related to limits?

Infinitesimal transformations are closely related to the concept of limits in calculus. In fact, infinitesimal transformations can be seen as the limit of a function as the change in the variable approaches zero.

3. Why are infinitesimal transformations important in physics?

Infinitesimal transformations are important in physics because they allow us to model continuous changes in physical systems. This is crucial in understanding how objects move and interact with each other in the real world.

4. Can infinitesimal transformations be used in other fields besides physics?

Yes, infinitesimal transformations can be used in other fields besides physics. They are particularly useful in mathematics, engineering, and economics, among others.

5. Are infinitesimal transformations always accurate?

No, infinitesimal transformations are not always accurate. They are mathematical models that make simplifications and assumptions about the real world. In some cases, these simplifications may not accurately reflect the true behavior of a system.

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