What Do These Einstein Summation Convention Expressions Represent?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding expressions in suffix notation related to vector and scalar quantities, specifically using Einstein summation convention. Participants are tasked with identifying the nature of various expressions and their simplifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the meaning of the suffix notation and the implications of summing components. Questions arise about the nature of the quantities involved, such as whether they are scalars or vectors.
  • Some participants attempt to simplify the expressions and question the correctness of their interpretations, particularly regarding the Kronecker delta and the Levi-Civita symbol.
  • There is a discussion about the dot and cross products in index notation, with participants exploring how to express these operations correctly.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of fixed vectors and how they affect differentiation in the context of divergence and curl.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's interpretations. Some have begun to clarify their understanding of specific expressions, while others continue to seek guidance on particular aspects, such as the implications of the Levi-Civita symbol and the nature of fixed vectors in differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can receive. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions related to the notation and the mathematical properties of the quantities involved.

  • #31
sure.. so 3x^2

and 2x^2 + 2yx dx/dy + 2zx dx/dz?

how can i solve my question now using Einstein convention? thanks :)
 
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  • #32
The first one is correct, the second one is not.

<br /> (\vec{r} \cdot \nabla)x^2=(x \frac{d}{dx}+y\frac{d}{dy}+z\frac{d}{dz})x^2=2x^2<br />

The dx^2/dy and dx^2z terms are 0. The reason we are doing this is so that you understand what the operator does, without that understanding you cannot make the exercise properly. The dot product of a vector and a differential operator does not commute.

Back to the original problem

d/dx_i e_i . (a_j x_j b_k e_k)

This is correct

why can't i just rewrite this as a_i x_i d/dx_j bj?

This is not, can you see why now?
 
  • #33
The first one is correct, the second one is not.

<br /> (\vec{r} \cdot \nabla)x^2=(x \frac{d}{dx}+y\frac{d}{dy}+z\frac{d}{dz})x^2=2x^2<br />

The dx^2/dy and dx^2z terms are 0. The reason we are doing this is so that you understand what the operator does, without that understanding you cannot make the exercise properly. The dot product of a vector and a differential operator does not commute.

Back to the original problem

d/dx_i e_i . (a_j x_j b_k e_k)

This is correct

why can't i just rewrite this as a_i x_i d/dx_j bj?

This is not, can you see why now?
 
  • #34
ok thanks, yes..so is it d/dx_i(a_j x_j) b_k e_i.e_k

=d/dx_i (a_j x_j) b_i

how do i proceed? thanks
 
  • #35
You know that a is a constant vector therefore a_j is just some constant which you can take in front of the differential operator. Now look at the expression d/dx_i x_j, what can you say about that? If you don't see it let i and j run through the values 1 2 3 and see what this operation yields for various combinations.
 
  • #36
ahh so its just the identity dij? so the answer is aibi?
 
  • #37
Correct.
 
  • #38
for curl (a.r)b i get axb is this right too? (here's hoping!)
 
  • #39
Looks good.
 
  • #40
haha..excellent..just solved a harder one also curl (a x r) = 2athanks so much for your great tutoring..understand it now..
:)
 
  • #41
You're welcome and that last one is correct as well.
 

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