What is the significance of the basis vector e_{11} in a bivector?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Jhenrique
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Basis
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the significance and definition of the basis vector e_{11} in the context of bivectors, exploring its representation in matrix form and its implications in mathematical structures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the definition of e_{11} and its representation in matrix form, providing examples.
  • Another participant suggests that the basis of a bivector is given by the wedge product of basis vectors, specifically stating it as ##\mathbf{e}_i\wedge \mathbf{e}_j## for all i ≠ j.
  • A different participant asserts that e_{11} does not exist, noting that the wedge product of a vector with itself results in zero.
  • There is a request for clarification on the meaning of e_{11} in terms of matrix representation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and definition of e_{11}, with some asserting it does not exist while others seek clarification on its representation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions and representations of bivectors, particularly concerning the notation and the implications of the wedge product.

Jhenrique
Messages
676
Reaction score
4
What is the basis of a bivector?

For example (see the attachment and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bivector#Axial_vectors first):
[tex]e_{11}=\begin{bmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0\\ 0 & 0 & 0\\ 0 & 0 & 0\\ \end{bmatrix}[/tex]
or
[tex]e_{11}=\begin{bmatrix} 1\\ 0\\ 0\\ \end{bmatrix}[/tex]
or ##e_{11}## is equal to what?

Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • fda07cfc3c08abc8eebd9075b1cb23dd.png
    fda07cfc3c08abc8eebd9075b1cb23dd.png
    1.5 KB · Views: 482
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Jhenrique! :smile:
Jhenrique said:
What is the basis of a bivector?

The basis is ##\mathbf{e}_i\wedge \mathbf{e}_j##, for all i ≠ j :wink:

(wikipedia writes that as ##e_{ij}##, which i find confusing :redface:)

For example, the electromagnetic 4-vector (E;B) is:​

##E_x\mathbf{i}\wedge\mathbf{t}+E_y\mathbf{j}\wedge\mathbf{t}+ E_z\mathbf{k}\wedge\mathbf{t} +## ##B_x\mathbf{j}\wedge\mathbf{k}+ B_y\mathbf{k}\wedge\mathbf{i}+ B_z\mathbf{i}\wedge\mathbf{j}##
 
I asked what is e11 in terms of matrix...
 
e11 doesn't exist :confused:

e1 ##\wedge## e1 = 0​
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K