Trouble understanding the proofs in Marion and Thorton

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on understanding the proofs in the textbook "Marion and Thornton" (Newest Edition), specifically regarding tensor notation and the manipulation of indices. The user expresses difficulty with the proof of products in tensor notation found on page 26, example 1.6, particularly in the final steps involving index switching. Additionally, the user seeks a demonstration of the identity \(\vec{A} \times \vec{B} = -\vec{B} \times \vec{A}\) using tensor summation notation, emphasizing the role of the Levi-Civita symbol and its antisymmetry properties.

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  • Understanding of tensor notation and operations
  • Familiarity with the Levi-Civita symbol and its properties
  • Basic knowledge of vector cross products
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and index manipulation
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  • Study the properties of the Levi-Civita symbol in detail
  • Learn about tensor summation notation and its applications
  • Review examples of index manipulation in tensor calculus
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Students and educators in physics and mathematics, particularly those studying classical mechanics and tensor calculus, will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


I am having trouble understanding the proofs in Marion and Thorton [Newest Edition]. The section where he goes through proof of products in tensor notation. An example is page 26 example 1.6. I don't get the switching of the indices on the very last part. Also can someone prove to me that [tex]\vec{A}\times \vec{B}=-\vec{b}\times \vec{A}[/tex] using tensor summation notation. Want to make sure I am doing it right.
 
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I'm not sure that this is the answer you are looking for, but I think you can just write out both sides of the equation using tensor notation (i.e. using the Levi-Civita symbol), and remember that Levi-Civita is antisymmetric.
 

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