Lorentz Transform on Covariant Vector (Lahiri QFT 1.5)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating the transformation of covariant vectors under Lorentz transformations as outlined in Lahiri and Pal's Quantum Field Theory. Specifically, it establishes that if ##x_\mu x^\mu = y_\mu y^\mu## under the transformation ##x^\mu \rightarrow y^\mu = \Lambda^\mu{}_\nu x^\nu##, then it follows that ##x_\mu \rightarrow y_\mu = \Lambda_\mu{}^\nu x_\nu##. The key equations involved include the metric relation $$g_{\rho\sigma} = g_{\mu\nu}\Lambda^\mu{}_\rho\Lambda^\nu{}_\sigma$$ and the relationship between the indices of the transformation matrices, specifically ##\Lambda_{\mu}{}^\nu =g_{\mu\rho}\Lambda^\rho{}_\sigma g^{\sigma\nu}##.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations in the context of special relativity.
  • Familiarity with covariant and contravariant vector notation.
  • Knowledge of metric tensors and their role in transforming indices.
  • Proficiency in tensor algebra and Einstein summation convention.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Lorentz transformations and their implications in special relativity.
  • Learn about the role of metric tensors in transforming between covariant and contravariant forms.
  • Explore the implications of the Einstein summation convention in tensor calculus.
  • Review additional exercises from Lahiri and Pal's Quantum Field Theory for practical applications.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying quantum field theory, as well as researchers and educators looking to deepen their understanding of Lorentz transformations and tensor analysis.

BucketOfFish
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Homework Statement



Given that ##x_\mu x^\mu = y_\mu y^\mu## under a Lorentz transform (##x^\mu \rightarrow y^\mu##, ##x_\mu \rightarrow y_\mu##), and that ##x^\mu \rightarrow y^\mu = \Lambda^\mu{}_\nu x^\nu##, show that ##x_\mu \rightarrow y_\mu = \Lambda_\mu{}^\nu x_\nu##.

Homework Equations



$$g_{\rho\sigma} = g_{\mu\nu}\Lambda^\mu{}_\rho\Lambda^\nu{}_\sigma$$

The Attempt at a Solution



So this isn't actually a homework problem, it's just an exercise in Lahiri and Pal that I was looking at. Seems like this thing would be really simple, but I can't work it out for some reason.

I get, for example, to the point where ##x_\mu x^\mu = g_{\mu\nu}x^\mu x^\nu = g_{\rho\sigma}\Lambda^\rho{}_\mu\Lambda^\sigma{}_\nu x^\mu x^\nu = y_\mu y^\mu##. Then, switching labels and using the definition of ##y^\mu##, we get that ##y_\mu = g_{\rho\mu}\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu x^\nu##. But I go in circles from there.

Part of my confusion is that I don't really know what the relation is between ##\Lambda_\mu{}^\nu## and ##\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu##. Seems like I'm missing something really obvious. Can anyone help?
 
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BucketOfFish said:

Homework Statement



Given that ##x_\mu x^\mu = y_\mu y^\mu## under a Lorentz transform (##x^\mu \rightarrow y^\mu##, ##x_\mu \rightarrow y_\mu##), and that ##x^\mu \rightarrow y^\mu = \Lambda^\mu{}_\nu x^\nu##, show that ##x_\mu \rightarrow y_\mu = \Lambda_\mu{}^\nu x_\nu##.

Homework Equations



$$g_{\rho\sigma} = g_{\mu\nu}\Lambda^\mu{}_\rho\Lambda^\nu{}_\sigma$$

The Attempt at a Solution



So this isn't actually a homework problem, it's just an exercise in Lahiri and Pal that I was looking at. Seems like this thing would be really simple, but I can't work it out for some reason.

I get, for example, to the point where ##x_\mu x^\mu = g_{\mu\nu}x^\mu x^\nu = g_{\rho\sigma}\Lambda^\rho{}_\mu\Lambda^\sigma{}_\nu x^\mu x^\nu = y_\mu y^\mu##. Then, switching labels and using the definition of ##y^\mu##, we get that ##y_\mu = g_{\rho\mu}\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu x^\nu##. But I go in circles from there.

Part of my confusion is that I don't really know what the relation is between ##\Lambda_\mu{}^\nu## and ##\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu##. Seems like I'm missing something really obvious. Can anyone help?

[edit]
I see that you were actually sort of close, except that you made a slight mistake.

y_\mu = g_{\rho\mu}\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu x^\nu

should be
y_\rho = g_{\rho\mu}\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu x^\nu

At this point, you can operate on both sides by \Lambda^\rho{}_\lambda.
 
Last edited:
BucketOfFish said:
Part of my confusion is that I don't really know what the relation is between ##\Lambda_\mu{}^\nu## and ##\Lambda^\mu{}_\nu##.
$$\Lambda_{\mu}{}^\nu =g_{\mu\rho}\Lambda^\rho{}_\sigma g^{\sigma\nu}.$$ What does this tell you about a combo like ##\Lambda_\rho{}^\mu \Lambda^\rho{}_\nu##?

You may also find my post in this thread useful: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/einstein-notation-notes.770129/#post-4847943
 

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