Kronecer delta tensor transformation

In summary: So, the sum of the deltas over c is just the sum of the deltas over d:4\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}
  • #1
Matterwave
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Homework Statement


Show that [tex]\delta_a^b[/tex] is a in fact a mixed tensor of valence (1,1).

Homework Equations



Definition of a (1,1) tensor:

[tex]\delta'_a^b=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^c}\frac{\partial x^d}{\partial x'^a}\delta_c^d[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I just explicitly put back the summations and I get a sum over c from 1 to 4 and a sum over d from 1 to 4 of the above expression. I did the sum over c first and got:

[tex]\sum_{d=1}^4 (\delta_1^d\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^d}{\partial x'^a}+...)[/tex]

Where the ... had the [tex]\delta_2^d[/tex] terms etc. I did the summation over d, and I seem to be getting:

[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

Which equals:
[tex]4\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

I get the 4 because there's 4 instances where the kronecker deltas don't equal 0 (when d=1 the first term remains, when d=2 the second term remains, etc)...but I really shouldn't have that 4 there. What happened? =(
 
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  • #2
Matterwave said:
Where the ... had the [tex]\delta_2^d[/tex] terms etc. I did the summation over d, and I seem to be getting:

[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

This should look a lot like the chain rule to you :wink:

[itex]x'^b[/itex] can be thought of as being a function of [itex]x_1[/itex], [itex]x_2[/itex], [itex]x_3[/itex], and [itex]x_4[/itex]; and each of those coordinates can be thought of as being a function of [itex]x'^a[/itex] (as well as the other 3 primed coordinates, but it's a partial derivative so that doesn't matter)

[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}\neq\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]
 
  • #3
Ok...but then I don't see how to do that summation then...>_>

So, is it true that:[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

?

I don't see how that can be true...yet if I've done the steps right, that must be true...oh wait, is that just the reverse chain rule? If so, shouldn't it then be changed to a total derivative or something?
 
  • #4
Matterwave said:
[tex]\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]

?

Yes, this is the chain rule.

[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x'^a} x'^b(x^1,x^2,x^3,x^4)=\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^1}\frac{\partial x^1}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^2}\frac{\partial x^2}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^3}\frac{\partial x^3}{\partial x'^a}+\frac{\partial x'^b}{\partial x^4}\frac{\partial x^4}{\partial x'^a}[/tex]
 
  • #5
Right, I looked it up on Wiki, and found the same. Thanks! =D

(looks like my astro-induced habit of canceling out differentials has backfired this time).
 

FAQ: Kronecer delta tensor transformation

1. What is the Kronecker delta tensor transformation?

The Kronecker delta tensor transformation is a mathematical operation that transforms a tensor into its diagonal form. It is commonly used in tensor analysis and has many applications in physics and engineering.

2. How is the Kronecker delta tensor transformation calculated?

The Kronecker delta tensor transformation is calculated by taking the tensor's components and multiplying them by the Kronecker delta symbol, which is equal to 1 if the indices are equal and 0 if they are not. This results in a diagonal tensor with all 0s except for the main diagonal, which contains the original tensor's components.

3. What is the significance of the Kronecker delta tensor transformation?

The Kronecker delta tensor transformation is significant because it simplifies the manipulation and analysis of tensors. It reduces the number of terms in a tensor and allows for easier calculations and interpretations. It is also used in various mathematical and physical equations, such as the Einstein field equations in general relativity.

4. What is the difference between the Kronecker delta tensor transformation and the Kronecker delta function?

The Kronecker delta tensor transformation and the Kronecker delta function are two different mathematical concepts. The Kronecker delta tensor transformation operates on tensors, while the Kronecker delta function is a discrete function that maps two integers to 0 if they are not equal and 1 if they are equal. However, they are related in that the Kronecker delta function is used in the Kronecker delta tensor transformation.

5. Where is the Kronecker delta tensor transformation used?

The Kronecker delta tensor transformation is used in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and mathematics. It is commonly used in tensor analysis, which is essential in understanding the behavior of physical systems and designing efficient structures. It is also used in computer graphics and image processing algorithms.

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