Trouble understanding derivation of covariant derivative

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the covariant derivative, specifically addressing the application of the product rule and the transformation properties of the Christoffel symbol. The user initially struggled with understanding how the second line of the derivation follows from the first, particularly regarding the middle term in the equation. Ultimately, the issue was resolved by recognizing the necessity of applying the partial derivative to the entire expression for the transformed vector. This highlights the importance of comprehending vector derivatives in the context of covariant calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of covariant derivatives in differential geometry
  • Familiarity with the product rule in calculus
  • Knowledge of Christoffel symbols and their transformation properties
  • Basic concepts of tensors, specifically (1,1) tensors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of covariant derivatives in detail
  • Learn about the properties and applications of Christoffel symbols
  • Explore tensor transformation rules in differential geometry
  • Review vector calculus, focusing on derivatives of vector fields
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in differential geometry, particularly those studying covariant derivatives and tensor calculus. It is also useful for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the mathematical foundations of general relativity.

bibalasvegas
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi, I'm having problems following a derivation for the covariant derivative. I've shown the line where I'm having trouble:

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/49/covariantderivative.jpg

The general argument being used is that if the covariant derivative must follow the product rule it can be expressed as the partial derivative plus some linear transformation - (the left and right parts of the right side of the first line respectively). Also we are trying to find the transformation properties of the christoffel symbol by using the fact that the covariant derivative should transform as a (1,1) tensor hence the primed indices.

My problem is that I don't see how the second line follows from the first. I know they are trying to express the previous line in terms of its transformation but I thought the first term on the right hand side of the top equation would correspond only to the first term on the right hand side of the bottom equation. I don't see where the middle term of the bottom equation comes from! No doubt this is due to my lack of understanding of vector derivatives. Hope all this makes sense and any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Just to say I've resolved this issue - it is solved. I wasn't acting on the whole expression for the transformed V with the partial derivative.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
10K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
11K
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K