Kronecer delta tensor transformation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the Kronecker delta as a mixed tensor of valence (1,1) within the context of tensor calculus and transformations. Participants are exploring the implications of the transformation rules for tensors and the application of the chain rule in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the transformation of the Kronecker delta and are questioning the validity of their summation steps. There is a discussion about the relationship between partial derivatives and the chain rule, particularly in the context of mixed tensors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different interpretations of the chain rule and its application to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the derivatives, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the steps taken.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can reference or the methods they can employ. There is an acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings related to the application of the chain rule and the nature of the derivatives involved.

Matterwave
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Homework Statement


Show that [tex]\delta_a^b[/tex] is a in fact a mixed tensor of valence (1,1).

Homework Equations



Definition of a (1,1) tensor:

[tex]\delta'_a^b=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^c}\frac{\partial x^d}{\partial x'^a}\delta_c^d[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I just explicitly put back the summations and I get a sum over c from 1 to 4 and a sum over d from 1 to 4 of the above expression. I did the sum over c first and got:

[tex]\sum_{d=1}^4 (\delta_1^d\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^d}{\partial x'^a}+...)[/tex]

Where the ... had the [tex]\delta_2^d[/tex] terms etc. I did the summation over d, and I seem to be getting:

[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

Which equals:
[tex]4\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

I get the 4 because there's 4 instances where the kronecker deltas don't equal 0 (when d=1 the first term remains, when d=2 the second term remains, etc)...but I really shouldn't have that 4 there. What happened? =(
 
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Matterwave said:
Where the ... had the [tex]\delta_2^d[/tex] terms etc. I did the summation over d, and I seem to be getting:

[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

This should look a lot like the chain rule to you :wink:

[itex]x'^b[/itex] can be thought of as being a function of [itex]x_1[/itex], [itex]x_2[/itex], [itex]x_3[/itex], and [itex]x_4[/itex]; and each of those coordinates can be thought of as being a function of [itex]x'^a[/itex] (as well as the other 3 primed coordinates, but it's a partial derivative so that doesn't matter)

[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}\neq\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]
 
Ok...but then I don't see how to do that summation then...>_>

So, is it true that:[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

?

I don't see how that can be true...yet if I've done the steps right, that must be true...oh wait, is that just the reverse chain rule? If so, shouldn't it then be changed to a total derivative or something?
 
Matterwave said:
[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

?

Yes, this is the chain rule.

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x'^a} x'^b(x^1,x^2,x^3,x^4)=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]
 
Right, I looked it up on Wiki, and found the same. Thanks! =D

(looks like my astro-induced habit of canceling out differentials has backfired this time).
 

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