Understanding Electromagnetic Duality: From B_i to E_i Using Tensor Notation

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of electromagnetic duality, specifically the transformation from magnetic field tensor components \(B_i\) to electric field tensor components \(E_i\) using tensor notation. The user attempts to derive this transformation directly from \(B_i\) but encounters discrepancies in their calculations, particularly in the manipulation of the Levi-Civita symbol and the dual field tensor \(F_{ij}\). The key issue identified is the misunderstanding of the indices involved in the dual tensor representation, leading to incorrect results in the final expression.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tensor notation in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with the electromagnetic field tensor \(F_{ij}\)
  • Knowledge of the Levi-Civita symbol and its properties
  • Basic principles of electromagnetic duality
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Levi-Civita symbol in tensor calculus
  • Learn about the electromagnetic field tensor \(F_{ij}\) and its dual representation
  • Explore the mathematical framework of electromagnetic duality in theoretical physics
  • Investigate common pitfalls in tensor manipulation and index notation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, researchers in theoretical physics, and anyone interested in advanced electromagnetism and tensor calculus.

gentsagree
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So, I'm trying to show that by duality B_{i}\rightarrow E_{i}, using tensor notation. I've done it in a different way, and it works (starting from \overline{F}_{ij}, the dual of F_ij), but I would like to get it from B_i directly. Where am I going wrong?

This is what I did:

B_{i}=\frac{1}{2}\epsilon_{ijk}F^{jk}\rightarrow B'_{i}=\frac{1}{2}\epsilon_{ijk}(i\overline{F}^{jk})=\frac{1}{2}i\epsilon_{ijk}(-\frac{1}{2}i\epsilon^{jk\rho\sigma}F_{\rho\sigma})
=\frac{1}{4}\epsilon_{ijk}\epsilon^{jk\rho\sigma}F_{\rho\sigma}=\frac{1}{4}\epsilon_{0ijk}\epsilon^{jk0i}F_{0i}

where in the last line I have inserted an extra 0-index in the Levi-Civita symbol (although I am not sure I know how to deal with zeros with epsilon), and made the substitution (\rho,\sigma)\rightarrow(0,i).

However I calculate this to be -\frac{3}{2}F_{i0} when it should be just F_{i0}=E_{i}

Any advice?
 
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I don't understand your first equation for B'. B_i in the dual F is the 0i row, not what you write.
 

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