Is (Aijxi)/xk a Tensor and What Kind?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of certain mathematical expressions involving tensors, specifically whether the expression (Aijxi)/xk qualifies as a tensor and, if so, what type it is (covariant or contravariant). The context includes the transformation properties of tensors and derivatives in a multi-dimensional space.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the transformation properties of the expression (Aijxi)/xk, with some asserting that Aijxi is a first-order contravariant tensor and questioning the tensor nature of the denominator. Others discuss the implications of derivatives of scalar functions and their classification as tensors, particularly in non-Euclidean contexts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into tensor transformations and raising questions about the assumptions underlying the classification of certain expressions as tensors. There is a recognition of the complexity involved in determining the tensor nature of derivatives in various coordinate systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the classification of tensors may depend on the dimensionality of the space and the nature of the coordinate transformations being used. There is also mention of the limitations of working with Euclidean tensors and the necessity of using covariant derivatives in more general contexts.

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Homework Statement


whether (Aijxi)/xk is a tenzor or not, if it is, what kind? (co-variant or contra-variant).

Homework Equations


given that Aij is a second degree tenzor and x are the coordinates.

The Attempt at a Solution


Aijxi)/ is clearly a first degree contra-variant tenzor, therefore the question reduces to whether
Bj/xk
is a tenzor.
so I do the transformations, and get a normal tenzor transformation on the numerator (from B), and a normal transformation on the denominator (from x), so if we are working in 1 dimension, it's simply 1/(dx/dx')*x = (dx'/dx)*1/x, which means a co-variant tenzor in the denominator transforms as a contra-variant tenzor.
however, if the dimension is greater than 1, I get a sum of lots of partial derivetives, and 1 devided by that equals who knows what... so in that case I fail to determine whether it is a tenzor or not, it doesn't really look like one to me, but I'm really not sure, maybe there's some algebric work to do and make it look like a tenzor again?



Homework Statement


what kind of a tenzor (co-variant or contra-variant) is:
d2(phi)/dxpdxq

Homework Equations


phi is a scalar function
x are the coordinates

The Attempt at a Solution


the questions states that it is a tenzor, and asks what kind of a tenzor it is, yet I don't understand how come it is a tenzor.
the expression is
d2(phi)/dxpdxq =
d/dxp(d(phi)/dxq), and d(phi)/dxq is a co-variant tenzor, so I do the transformation for it, and the take the derivative by xp, I get 2 expresion, which one looks like a tenzor transformation, yet the other a second derivative of x by some x'i, x'j (x' being the new coordinates).
so I don't understand why is that expression a tenzor

thanks
ibc
 
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As you say [itex]A^{ij}x_i[/itex] transforms as
[tex]A^{mn}'x_m'= A^{ij}x_i\frac{\partial x^n'}{\partial x^j}[/tex] and so is a first order contravariant tensor. [itex]1/x_k[/itex] transforms as
[tex]\frac{1}{x_j'}= \frac{1}{x_k}\frac{\partial x_j'}{\partial x_k}[itex] and so is also a first order contravariant tensor. The tensor product [itex]A^{ij}x_i/x_j[/itex] then transforms as <br /> [tex]A^{mn}'x_m'/x_j'= A^{ij}x_i/x_j\frac{\partial x^n'}{\partial x^j}\frac{\partial x_j'}{\partial x_k}[/tex]<br /> and so is a second order contravariant tensor. So, again unless you are working only with Euclidean tensors, for a scalar function, [itex]\phi[/itex], <br /> [tex]\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x^j}[/tex]<br /> is a first order covariant tensor but <br /> [tex]\frac{\partial^2\phi}{\partial x^i \partial x^j}[/tex][/itex][tex] is NOT a tensor.<br /> <br /> (Euclidean tensors allow only coordinate systems in which coordinate lines are straight lines and are orthogonal to one another.<br /> <br /> In general, unless you are working in Euclidean tensors, in which the Christoffel symbols are all 0, derivatives of tensors are <b>not</b> tensors- you have to use the "covariant derivative".[/tex][/tex]
 
hey, wherever you wrote an equation, I see it as a black stripe, do you know how I can see it normally?

thanks
 
HallsofIvy said:
As you say [itex]A^{ij}x_i[/itex] transforms as
[tex]A^{mn}'x_m'= A^{ij}x_i\frac{\partial x^n'}{\partial x^j}[/tex] and so is a first order contravariant tensor. [itex]1/x_k[/itex] transforms as
[tex]\frac{1}{x_j'}= \frac{1}{x_k}\frac{\partial x_j'}{\partial x_k}[itex] and so is also a first order contravariant tensor. The tensor product [itex]A^{ij}x_i/x_j[/itex] then transforms as <br /> [tex]A^{mn}'x_m'/x_j'= A^{ij}x_i/x_j\frac{\partial x^n'}{\partial x^j}\frac{\partial x_j'}{\partial x_k}[/tex]<br /> and so is a second order contravariant tensor. So, again unless you are working only with Euclidean tensors, for a scalar function, [itex]\phi[/itex], <br /> [tex]\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x^j}[/tex]<br /> is a first order covariant tensor but <br /> [tex]\frac{\partial^2\phi}{\partial x^i \partial x^j}[/tex][/itex][tex] is NOT a tensor.<br /> <br /> (Euclidean tensors allow only coordinate systems in which coordinate lines are straight lines and are orthogonal to one another.<br /> <br /> In general, unless you are working in Euclidean tensors, in which the Christoffel symbols are all 0, derivatives of tensors are <b>not</b> tensors- you have to use the "covariant derivative".[/tex][/tex]
[tex][tex] <br /> oh I managed to see it now.<br /> <br /> you said: 1/xj'=(1/xk)*(dxj'/dxk)<br /> how do you know 1/x transforms that way?<br /> by saying that you assume it's a tenzor, but my question is how do you know 1/x is a tenzor?[/tex][/tex]
 

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