How Is the Second Term Derived in the 2D Riemann Curvature Tensor?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the second term in the 2D Riemann curvature tensor, specifically addressing the relationship between the Riemann tensor and the Ricci scalar. The key equation presented is R_{ab} = R g_{ab}, which indicates that in 2D, the Riemann curvature tensor has only one independent component. Participants highlight that reversing the contraction does not yield the expected index symmetries, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying tensor properties.

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  • Understanding of Riemann curvature tensor
  • Familiarity with Ricci scalar and its implications
  • Knowledge of index notation in tensor calculus
  • Basic principles of differential geometry
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  • Explore the implications of index symmetries in tensor calculus
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Woolyabyss
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Homework Statement
Show that the Riemann curvature tensor in 2d is given by ##R_{abcd} =\frac{R}{2}(g_{ac}g_{bd} - g_{ad}g_{bc}) ##
Relevant Equations
## R = R_{ab} g^{ab} ## and ## R_{ab} = R_{acb}^{c}##
Since in 2D the riemman curvature tensor has only one independent component, ## R = R_{ab} g^{ab} ## can be reversed to get the riemmann curvature tensor.

Write
## R_{ab} = R g_{ab} ##

Now
## R g_{ab} = R_{acbd} g^{cd}##
Rewrite this as
## R_{acbd} = Rg_{ab} g_{cd} ##
My issue is I'm not sure how they caught a second term? Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Woolyabyss said:
Now
## R g_{ab} = R_{acbd} g^{cd}##
Rewrite this as
## R_{acbd} = Rg_{ab} g_{cd} ##
My issue is I'm not sure how they caught a second term? Any help would be appreciated.

Your candidate Riemann tensor doesn't have the expected index-symmetries.
Generally, you can't undo a contraction to arrive at your last line.
There may be other expressions that lead to the same contracted term.
 

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