Learn About Tensors: Simple Explanations & Examples

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter gianeshwar
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Nature Tensors
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tensors, specifically focusing on the agreement of observers in different reference frames regarding the combination of components and basis vectors. Participants seek simple explanations and examples to better understand this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why all observers agree on the combination of components and basis vectors, seeking guidance on where to study this concept simply.
  • Another participant shares links to videos that explain tensors and derive the metric tensor, suggesting these as resources for learning.
  • A third participant presents a scenario involving a car moving in a two-dimensional coordinate system, posing questions about the meaning of direction, basis vectors, and the representation of velocity in different coordinate systems.
  • Questions are raised about the understanding of notation, the role of components in vector expressions, and the implications of observers agreeing on the velocity of the car.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple competing views and questions, with no consensus reached on the initial query about observer agreement in different reference frames.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding tensors and related concepts, indicating a need for foundational knowledge and examples. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of the questions posed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in learning about tensors, particularly those seeking simple explanations and examples, may find this discussion beneficial.

gianeshwar
Messages
225
Reaction score
14
Dear Friends!
I am learning Tensors so my question may look simple to you.
"All observers in all reference frames agree not on the basis vectors not on the components but on the combination of components and basis vectors"
Q Why this happens?
Please guide me where I can study it in brief and in very simple explanations.
I need to study examples too.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Here's a couple of videos on tensors:



and this one which derives the metric tensor:



and this one (the voice may be a bit irritating):

 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: m4r35n357 and bcrowell
Suppose you have a two dimensional coordinate system, an an observer O1 with coordinates x and y. Suppose you have a care moving 30 m/s in the x direction in O1.

Try and answer the following questions referring to your text on tensors (I hope you have a text of some sort) as necessary.

When we say the car is moving in the "x direction", do you understand what that means? Would the notation ##v = 30 \hat{x}## make sense to you?

Is ##\hat{x}## a vector? Is it a basis vector?

What is the role of the number 30 in the notational expression ##v = 30 \hat{x}##?

Now consider a coordinate system O2, with coordinates p and q, which are rotated by 45 degrees with respect to x and y, so that if y=x, q is zero, and ##\hat{p}## is perpendicular to ##\hat{q}##

How would we write the velocity of the car in terms of ##\hat{p}## and ##\hat{q}##?

Are ##\hat{p}## and ##\hat{q}## basis vectors?

What are the components of the vector representing the car's velocity in O2?

What does it mean for the observers O1 and O2 to "agree on the velocity of the car"?
 
Thankyou jedishrufu and pervect !Will respond soon.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
6K