Laws of Motion for New Lagrangian: Partial Differential Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the Euler-Lagrange equation in the context of Lagrangian mechanics, specifically regarding the formulation of the equations of motion using partial differential equations. Participants identify errors in the manipulation of indices and the application of the Kronecker delta, leading to the correct form of the equations. The final equation derived is $$\partial^\beta F_{\beta\alpha} + \partial^\beta(A_\mu A^\mu g_{\alpha\beta}) + \mu^2 A_\alpha = 2A_\alpha + \frac{4\pi}{c} J_\alpha$$, which highlights the importance of maintaining consistent indices throughout the derivation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics and the Euler-Lagrange equation
  • Familiarity with tensor notation and index manipulation
  • Knowledge of Kronecker delta properties
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism, particularly the role of the four-current density J
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equation in detail
  • Explore the properties of the Kronecker delta in tensor calculus
  • Learn about the implications of gauge invariance in Lagrangian formulations
  • Investigate the role of the electromagnetic field tensor F in classical field theory
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for physicists, particularly those specializing in theoretical physics, mathematical physics, and anyone involved in advanced studies of classical mechanics and field theory.

Maniac_XOX
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TL;DR
Is it possible to simplify this complicated equation??
$$\partial^\beta F_{\beta\alpha} +\partial^\beta A_\mu A^\mu \delta^\alpha_\sigma \delta^\rho_\beta+\mu^2 A_\alpha = 2A_\mu (\partial_\rho A^\rho) +\frac {4\pi}{c}J_\alpha$$
 
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You don't have the same free indices on each of your terms. There are three free indices on the second one on the left and you have a free ##\mu## instead of ##\alpha## in the first term on the right. Correct your typos and we may be able to help.
 
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Ibix said:
You don't have the same free indices on each of your terms. There are three free indices on the second one on the left and you have a free ##\mu## instead of ##\alpha## in the first term on the right. Correct your typos and we may be able to help.
Hmm you're right, the complicated part where i most def went wrong was finding the euler lagrange equation $$\partial^\beta \frac{\partial L}{\partial(\partial^\beta A^\alpha)}=\frac {\partial L}{\partial A^\alpha}$$
to the following section of the lagrangina i used: ##-\beta A_\mu A^\mu (\partial_\rho A^\rho)##

Need help finding the answer to this.

I found that $$\partial^\beta \frac{\partial L}{\partial(\partial^\beta A^\alpha)}=\partial^\beta(-\beta A_\mu A^\mu \delta^\alpha_\sigma \delta^\rho_\beta)$$

and also that $$\frac {\partial L}{\partial A^\alpha}= -2\beta A_\alpha (\partial_\rho A^\rho) $$

Could u help me out?
 
Maniac_XOX said:
I found that ∂β∂L∂(∂βAα)=∂β(−βAμAμδσαδβρ)
This is quite obviously wrong as you do not have the same free indices on both sides. Can you find your error and/or tell us how you arrive at this?
 
Orodruin said:
This is quite obviously wrong as you do not have the same free indices on both sides. Can you find your error and/or tell us how you arrive at this?
hello yeah i realized actually, I've come to the right equation being $$\partial^\beta(A_\mu A^\mu g_{\rho\sigma} \delta^\sigma_\beta \delta^\rho_\alpha)=(\partial_\rho A^\rho) g_{\mu\gamma} (\delta_\alpha^\gamma A^\mu + A^\gamma \delta^\mu_\alpha)$$ from euler lagrange $$\partial^\beta \frac{\partial L}{\partial(\partial^\beta A^\alpha)}=\frac {\partial L}{\partial A^\alpha}$$
When put inside the whole complete equation it becomes:
$$\partial^\beta F_{\beta\alpha} + \partial^\beta(A_\mu A^\mu g_{\rho\sigma} \delta^\sigma_\beta \delta^\rho_\alpha) + \mu^2 A_\alpha =(\partial_\rho A^\rho) g_{\mu\gamma} (\delta_\alpha^\gamma A^\mu + A^\gamma \delta^\mu_\alpha) + \frac {4\pi}{c} J_\alpha$$
Can you help me simplify this?
 
Last edited:
I would start by using the summation properties of the Kronecker delta.
 
I'd move the ##g_{\mu\lambda}## inside the bracket before following Orodruin's advice.
 
Ibix said:
I'd move the ##g_{\mu\lambda}## inside the bracket before following Orodruin's advice.
Orodruin said:
I would start by using the summation properties of the Kronecker delta.
Okay so I've tried lowering the indices on the right hand side and using the property $$g_{\mu\gamma}g^{\mu\nu}=\delta^\nu_\gamma$$
therefore on the right hand side I get
$$(\partial_\rho A^\rho) (\delta_\gamma^\nu \delta_\alpha^\gamma A_\nu + \delta_\gamma^\lambda \delta^\mu_\alpha A_\lambda) + \frac {4\pi}{c} J_\alpha$$
which should be able to simplify as:
$$(\partial_\rho A^\rho) (\delta_\alpha^\nu A_\nu + \delta_\gamma^\lambda \delta^\mu_\alpha A_\lambda) + \frac {4\pi}{c} J_\alpha$$

Is this correct? If so how do i go from there?
 
The point is that ##g_{\mu\gamma}\delta^\gamma_\alpha=g_{\mu\alpha}##.
 
  • #10
Ibix said:
The point is that ##g_{\mu\gamma}\delta^\gamma_\alpha=g_{\mu\alpha}##.
OH i get it, so i should be getting this$$\partial^\beta F_{\beta\alpha} + \partial^\beta(A_\mu A^\mu g_{\rho\beta} \delta^\rho_\alpha) + \mu^2 A_\alpha =(\partial_\rho A^\rho) (g_{\mu\alpha} A^\mu + g_{\gamma\alpha} A^\gamma) + \frac {4\pi}{c} J_\alpha$$which finally becomes$$\partial^\beta F_{\beta\alpha} + \partial^\beta(A_\mu A^\mu g_{\alpha\beta}) + \mu^2 A_\alpha = (A_\alpha + A_\alpha) + \frac {4\pi}{c} J_\alpha$$
so then the right hand side becomes ##2A_\alpha + \frac {4\pi}{c} J_\alpha## ?
 
  • #11
You seem to have lost a ##\partial_\rho A^\rho## on the right hand side. Otherwise, yes.
 
  • #12
Ibix said:
You seem to have lost a ##\partial_\rho A^\rho## on the right hand side. Otherwise, yes.
Right i forgot that and also ##-\beta## factors on both sides while focusing on the other stuff. A question i have involving the LHS is:
Does ##\partial^\beta(-\beta \times g_{\alpha\beta}A_\mu A^\mu)##
mean the same as $$\frac {\partial (-\beta \times g_{\alpha\beta}A_\mu A^\mu)}{\partial A^\beta}$$ ? Cuz then wouldn't that bit simplify to ##-2\beta A_\alpha## as well?
 

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