Tensor of Type (k,l): John Lee, Wald's GR

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definition of tensors of type (k,l) as presented in John Lee's "Introduction to Smooth Manifolds" and "Riemannian Manifolds," where they are expressed as elements of the tensor product space \( V^* \otimes \cdots \otimes V^* \otimes V \otimes \cdots \otimes V \) or as multilinear functions. In contrast, Wald's "General Relativity" refers to these as tensors of type (l,k). The inquiry raised is whether this discrepancy is a result of differing conventions between mathematics and physics or if a standard is being overlooked. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding these conventions in the context of tensor analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tensor algebra and multilinear functions
  • Familiarity with John Lee's "Introduction to Smooth Manifolds" and "Riemannian Manifolds"
  • Knowledge of Wald's "General Relativity" and its terminology
  • Basic concepts of vector spaces and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between mathematical and physical conventions in tensor notation
  • Study the implications of antilinear vs. linear inner products in tensor analysis
  • Explore the isomorphism between different tensor product spaces
  • Examine the applications of tensors in both mathematics and physics contexts
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This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, physicists, and students of differential geometry who seek clarity on tensor conventions and their applications in both fields.

Fredrik
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In John Lee's books "Introduction to smooth manifolds" and "Riemannian manifolds", a tensor of type \begin{pmatrix}k\\ l\end{pmatrix} on a vector space V is defined as a member of

\underbrace{V^*\otimes\cdots\otimes V^*}_{k}\otimes\underbrace{V\otimes\cdots\otimes V}_{l}

or as a multilinear function

\underbrace{V^*\times\cdots\times V^*}_{l}\times\underbrace{V\times\cdots\times V}_{k}\rightarrow\mathbb R

or, when l>0, as a multilinear function

\underbrace{V^*\times\cdots\times V^*}_{l-1}\times\underbrace{V\times\cdots\times V}_{k}\rightarrow V

(These three vector spaces are isomorphic). But in Wald's "General relativity", this is called a tensor of type (l,k). I just want to ask, is this a "math vs. physics" thing, like when physicsts make their inner products antilinear in the first variable and mathematicians make theirs antilinear in the second? Or is there a standard convention that one of these guys is ignoring?
 
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i saw the type of (l,k) for both of math and physics.
 

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