What kind of tensor is the electromagnetic field tensor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the electromagnetic field tensor, specifically its classification as a type of tensor based on its transformation properties. Participants explore the mathematical formulation of the Lorentz force and the implications for the tensor's characteristics, engaging in a technical examination of tensor transformation rules.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the covariant form of the Lorentz force and questions the classification of the electromagnetic field tensor based on its transformation properties.
  • Another participant suggests that the electromagnetic field tensor is a contravariant second-rank tensor, referencing external material for support.
  • A different participant challenges this classification by pointing out discrepancies in the transformation equations, asserting that the tensor should transform differently if it were contravariant.
  • Further, a participant expresses uncertainty about their proof and elaborates on the transformation process, attempting to reconcile the tensor's behavior with the Lorentz transformation equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the classification of the electromagnetic field tensor. There are competing views regarding its transformation properties, with some asserting it is contravariant while others challenge this assertion based on mathematical reasoning.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes complex mathematical expressions and transformations that may depend on specific assumptions about the Lorentz transformation and the definitions of tensor types. Some steps in the reasoning remain unresolved, particularly regarding the implications of the transformation properties.

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The covariant form of the Lorentz force can be written as

[tex]m \ddot x^\mu =q F^{\mu \nu} \dot x_\nu[/tex]

and such a relation should prove by the quotient rule that F is indeed a tensor.
But what kind of tensor is it? One can show that it transforms from an unprimed
to a primed system like

[tex]F'^{\mu \nu} = \Lambda^\mu_{\ \alpha} \Lambda^{\ \nu}_{\beta} F^{\alpha \beta} = \frac{\partial x'^\mu}{\partial x^\alpha} \frac{\partial x^\nu}{\partial x'^\beta} F^{\alpha \beta}[/tex],

where [tex]\Lambda^{\ \nu}_{\beta}[/tex] is the inverse Lorentz transformation matrix. But what kind of tensors transforms like this? Does it have a name? I know about covariant, contravariant and mixed tensors. The closest I get is a mixed tensor but it would transform like

[tex]T^\mu_\nu = \frac{\partial x'^\mu}{\partial x^\rho }\frac{\partial x^\sigma}{\partial x'^\nu} T^\rho_\sigma[/tex].
 
Last edited:
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Hi Tim!

But then it should transform like

[tex]F'^{\mu\nu} = \frac{\partial x'^\mu}{\partial x^\alpha} \frac{\partial x'^\nu}{\partial x^\beta} F^{\alpha \beta}[/tex]

and not as

[tex]F'^{\mu \nu} = \frac{\partial x'^\mu}{\partial x^\alpha} \frac{\partial x^\nu}{\partial x'^\beta} F^{\alpha \beta}[/tex]

which arises from the fact that the inverse lorentz transformation gives the equality

[tex]\frac{\partial x^\mu}{\partial x'^\nu} = \Lambda_\nu^{\ \ \mu}[/tex]

and that I have shown that

[tex]F'^{\mu \nu} = \Lambda^\mu_{\ \ \alpha} \Lambda^{\ \ \nu}_{\beta} F^{\alpha \beta}[/tex]

from transforming the lorentz force law in covariant form.
 
Last edited:
Maybe there is a flaw in my proof? It goes as follows: Ignoring the constants m and q

[tex]\ddot x'^\mu = F'^{\mu \nu} \dot x'_\nu =\Lambda^\mu_{\ \alpha} (\dot x^\alpha) = \Lambda^\mu_{\ \alpha} (F^{\alpha \beta} \dot x_{\beta}) = \Lambda^\mu_{\ \alpha} F^{\alpha \beta} \Lambda_\beta^{\ \ \nu} \dot x'_\nu[/tex],
from which it should follow that

[tex]F'^{\mu \nu} = \Lambda^\mu_{\ \alpha} \Lambda_\beta^{\ \ \nu} <br /> F^{\alpha \beta} = \frac{\partial x'^\mu}{\partial x^\alpha} \frac{\partial x^\nu}{\partial x'^\beta} F^{\alpha \beta}[/tex].

Here I have used the lorentz transformation and the inverse transformation
[tex]x'^\mu = \Lambda^\mu_{\ \ \nu} x^\nu[/tex]

[tex]x'_\mu = \Lambda_\mu^{\ \ \nu} x_\nu[/tex]

from which it follows that

[tex]\frac{\partial x^\mu}{\partial x'^\nu} = \Lambda_\nu^{\ \ \mu}[/tex]
and

[tex]\frac{\partial x'^\mu}{\partial x^\nu} = \Lambda^\nu_{\ \ \mu}[/tex].
 

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