Are equations of motion invariant under gauge transformations?

In summary, the equations of motion are not always invariant under gauge transformations. While for electrodynamics they are invariant, for Yang-Mills theories and the Einstein-Hilbert action, they are only covariant. This means that the equations of motion may change form, but their overall structure remains the same. A mathematical proof can be shown to demonstrate this.
  • #1
Baela
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We know that all actions are invariant under their gauge transformations. Are the equations of motion also invariant under the gauge transformations?

If yes, can you show a mathematical proof (instead of just saying in words)?
 
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  • #2
Yes. Since the action is the same the path of least action is also the same.
 
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  • #3
No, in general they are just covariant. For electrodynamics the equations of motion are invariant under gauge transformations, but for Yang-Mills theories they are just covariant. Similarly, the Einstein-Hilbert action is invariant under general coordinate transformations, but the Einstein equation of motion is just covariant.
 
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  • #4
Demystifier said:
No, in general they are just covariant. For electrodynamics the equations of motion are invariant under gauge transformations, but for Yang-Mills theories they are just covariant. Similarly, the Einstein-Hilbert action is invariant under general coordinate transformations, but the Einstein equation of motion is just covariant.
Thanks!
 
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