Understanding Integration by Parts: A Quick Guide for Beginners

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of integration by parts in the context of field theory, specifically involving the Lagrangian density L(φ, ∂μφ). The equation presented illustrates the integration by parts formula, highlighting the transition from the left-hand side integral to the right-hand side, which includes a product rule application. The second term on the right-hand side arises from the differentiation of the product of the Lagrangian's derivative and the variation of the field, δφ. This clarification emphasizes the importance of understanding the product rule in this mathematical context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrangian mechanics and field theory
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Knowledge of variational principles in physics
  • Proficiency in tensor notation and partial derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the product rule in calculus and its applications in physics
  • Explore variational calculus and its role in deriving equations of motion
  • Learn about the implications of integration by parts in quantum field theory
  • Investigate the role of boundary conditions in variational principles
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in theoretical physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics, quantum field theory, or advanced calculus concepts.

Ratzinger
Messages
291
Reaction score
0
this no homework, but nevertheless can someone hint me how this integration by parts works?
[tex] \int {d^4 } x\frac{{\partial L}}{{\partial \left( {\partial _\mu \phi } \right)}}\partial _\mu (\delta \phi ) = {\rm{ }} - \int {d^4 } x\partial _\mu \left( {\frac{{\partial L}}{{\partial (\partial _\mu \phi )}}} \right)\delta \phi {\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}\int {d^4 } x{\rm{ }}\partial _\mu \left( {\frac{{\partial L}}{{\partial (\partial _\mu \phi )}}\delta \phi } \right)[/tex]
where [tex] L(\phi ,\partial _\mu \phi )[/tex]

I don't understand where the second term on the RHS comes from. I thought the second term should be [tex] \frac{{\partial L}}{{\partial (\partial _\mu \phi )}}\delta \phi \left| {^b _a } \right. = 0[/tex]

thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
This is just the product rule, i.e.,

[tex] \frac{{\partial L}}{{\partial \left( {\partial _\mu \phi } \right)}}\partial _\mu (\delta \phi ) + \partial _\mu \left( {\frac{{\partial L}}{{\partial (\partial _\mu \phi )}}} \right)\delta \phi {\rm{ }} = \partial _\mu \left( {\frac{{\partial L}}{{\partial (\partial _\mu \phi )}}\delta \phi } \right)[/tex]

Regards,
George
 
I knew that it was going to be simple. Thanks George!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K