Physics interpretation of integrals of differential forms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of integrals of differential forms in physics, particularly how these integrals relate to concepts such as line integrals and flux in vector fields. Participants explore the mathematical foundations and physical implications of integrating differential forms, including their applications in electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the integral of the k-form associated with a vector field can be interpreted as the flux of that vector field at a hypersurface in R^k.
  • Another participant encourages the exploration of examples, particularly relating to electromagnetism, to clarify the equivalence between Maxwell's equations and differential form notation.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of integrating over an oriented volume independently of physical applications, while noting that physical examples can aid in comprehension.
  • It is mentioned that many forms in physics are defined in terms of a metric, such as the work done by a particle against a force field, which uses the inner product of a vector with the force field.
  • There is a caution that relying solely on physical examples may obscure the underlying mathematical concepts of integration over oriented volumes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the relevance of examples from physics while also highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the mathematical principles involved. No consensus is reached on a definitive interpretation of the integrals of differential forms.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the discussion may be limited by the need for clearer definitions and assumptions regarding the integration of differential forms and their physical interpretations.

davi2686
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Be a vector field \vec{F}=(f_1,f_2,f_3) and \omega^k_{\vec{F}} the k-form associated with it , i know if i do \int \omega^1_{\vec{F}} is the same of a line integral and \int \omega^2_{\vec{F}} i obtain the same result of \int \int_S \vec{F}\cdot d\vec{S}, which is the flux of a vector field in a surface, so something like \int \omega^k_{\vec{F}} have some physics interpretation like de flux of a vector field in R^k at a hypersurface? (sorry if i talk a nonsense).
 
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Thanks for the post! Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Thanks for the post! Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?

sorry at the moment i can't think another way to put what i need
 
I think you have the right idea. Your English makes it a little more difficult.

However I would advise you to just try some examples.
What helped me a lot, really A LOT.
With this and other issues relating to differential forms was considering electromagnetism and explicitly identify the equivalence between Maxwell's equations and the differential form notation.
Integrals show up when considering electric (and magnetic) charges.

Do you think you could do such a thing?
 
Differential forms are the mathematical objects for which it makes sense to integrate over an oriented volume. There are many examples in Physics but the idea is general and may not apply to a physical system in a particular instance.

It is important to understand what it means to integrate over an oriented volume by itself independently of Physics. But Physics examples are helpful in clarifying the concept.

Many of the forms in Physics are defined in terms of a metric. For instance the work done by a particle against a force field uses the 1 form that is the inner product of a vector with the force field.

But the idea of integration over an oriented volume does not require a metric. Relying on Physics examples only can obscure this.
 
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