Christofle symbol and determinant of metric tensor

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of indices and the determinant of the metric in proving a specific identity in General Relativity. It is suggested to use the fact that the metric is a symmetric tensor and the definition of a tensor density of weight one to prove the desired result. Reference to a book by Ray d'Inverno for further explanation is also mentioned.
  • #1
off-diagonal
30
0
Hi, every one I'm newbie here. I have a few problem with my study about GR.
Here's a problem

[tex]\partial_a(g^{ad})g_{cd}-\partial_d(g^{ad})g_{ac}=\\0[/tex]


Could I prove these relation by change index (in 1st term ) from a -> d and also d -> a?

and let's defined [tex]{g}=det{\\g_{ab}\\}[/tex]



[tex]{g^{ab}}\partial_c(\\g_{ab})=\frac{1}{g} \partial_c(\\g)[/tex]

How I prove these equation ? Any one got an idea?
 
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  • #2
off-diagonal said:
Could I prove these relation by change index (in 1st term ) from a -> d and also d -> a?
Yes. (You also have to use that the metric is a symmetric tensor: [itex]g_{ab}=g_{ba}[/itex]).

off-diagonal said:
[tex]{g^{ab}}\partial_c(\\g_{ab})=\frac{1}{g} \partial_c(\\g)[/tex]

How I prove these equation ? Any one got an idea?
I haven't given much thought to this specific identity, but the only time I proved an identity involving the determinant of the metric, I had to use this crap.
 
  • #3
off-diagonal said:
and let's defined [tex]{g}=det{\\g_{ab}\\}[/tex]



[tex]{g^{ab}}\partial_c(\\g_{ab})=\frac{1}{g} \partial_c(\\g)[/tex]

How I prove these equation ? Any one got an idea?

By definition [itex]\sqrt{-g}[/itex] is a tensor density of weight one. As a consequence of this and the fact that the covariant derivative of the metric is zero, one has the result

[tex]\nabla_a\sqrt{-g} = \partial_a\sqrt{-g} - \Gamma^b_{\phantom{b}ab}\sqrt{-g} = 0[/tex]

It's trivial to go from here to the result you want to prove.
 
  • #4
You can check Ray d'Inverno's book on GR; in chapter 7 I believe he derives these things quite extensively :)
 

FAQ: Christofle symbol and determinant of metric tensor

What is the Christofle symbol, and how is it related to the metric tensor?

The Christofle symbol, also known as the Christoffel symbol, is a mathematical object used in the study of differential geometry. It is calculated from the components of the metric tensor and is used to describe the curvature of a manifold. The Christofle symbol allows for the calculation of the covariant derivative, which is essential for understanding the behavior of vectors and tensors on a curved surface.

How is the Christofle symbol used to determine the metric tensor?

The Christofle symbol is a function of the metric tensor, which means that it can be used to calculate the metric tensor. This is done by taking the second derivative of the metric tensor and subtracting the derivative of the Christofle symbol. The resulting equation is known as the Christofle equation and can be used to determine the metric tensor for a given manifold.

What is the significance of the Christofle symbol and determinant of the metric tensor in general relativity?

In general relativity, the Christofle symbol and determinant of the metric tensor play a crucial role in describing the curvature of spacetime and the behavior of matter and energy within it. They are used in the Einstein field equations, which relate the curvature of spacetime to the distribution of matter and energy. The Christofle symbol and determinant also allow for the calculation of geodesics, which are the paths that particles follow in curved spacetime.

How is the Christofle symbol related to the concept of parallel transport?

The Christofle symbol is used to calculate the covariant derivative, which is essential for understanding parallel transport. Parallel transport is the process of moving a vector or tensor along a curve without changing its direction. The Christofle symbol is used to determine how a vector or tensor changes as it is transported along a curved path on a manifold.

Is the Christofle symbol and determinant of the metric tensor unique to four-dimensional spacetime?

No, the Christofle symbol and determinant of the metric tensor are not unique to four-dimensional spacetime. They are used in the study of differential geometry, which can be applied to manifolds of any dimension. In fact, the Christofle symbol can be used to define the curvature of a manifold of any dimension, not just four-dimensional spacetime.

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