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Unit_IV_Tensors_Notes

This document contains exam-oriented notes for 'Unit IV: Tensors' in Mathematical Physics, covering key concepts such as vectors, tensors, and their transformation properties. It includes definitions, formulas, and the metric tensor, along with the electromagnetic field tensor and the Riemann curvature tensor. Additionally, it features solved previous year questions to aid in exam preparation.

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6 views

Unit_IV_Tensors_Notes

This document contains exam-oriented notes for 'Unit IV: Tensors' in Mathematical Physics, covering key concepts such as vectors, tensors, and their transformation properties. It includes definitions, formulas, and the metric tensor, along with the electromagnetic field tensor and the Riemann curvature tensor. Additionally, it features solved previous year questions to aid in exam preparation.

Uploaded by

mehfilefaiz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit IV: Tensors – Mathematical Physics

(Exam-Oriented Notes)
This document provides clear and concise exam-oriented notes for 'Unit IV: Tensors' from
the Mathematical Physics syllabus. It includes theoretical explanations, definitions,
formulas, and solved previous year questions.

1. Vectors and Their Transformation Properties


A vector is a quantity with both magnitude and direction. Under coordinate transformation,
vectors change according to specific rules:

- Covariant Vector (Lower Index): Transforms as: A'_i = ∂x^j/∂x'^i * A_j


- Contravariant Vector (Upper Index): Transforms as: A'^i = ∂x'^i/∂x^j * A^j

2. Tensors and Their Algebraic Properties


A tensor is a generalized concept that extends scalars and vectors. It has a specific rank
(number of indices). The transformation law for a rank-2 tensor is:
T'^{ij} = ∂x'^i/∂x^k * ∂x'^j/∂x^l * T^{kl}

3. Special Tensors
- Kronecker Delta (δ^i_j): Identity tensor, δ^i_j = 1 if i=j, else 0.
- Levi-Civita Symbol (ε_ijk): Totally antisymmetric tensor used in cross products and
determinants.
ε_ijk = +1 (even permutations), -1 (odd permutations), 0 (any repeated indices).

4. Metric Tensor and Index Operations


Metric tensor g_ij helps measure distances and raise/lower indices.
- Distance: ds² = g_ij dx^i dx^j
- Raise Index: A^i = g^{ij} A_j
- Lower Index: A_i = g_ij A^j
- Contraction: Summing over repeated indices to reduce rank.

5. Electromagnetic Field Tensor


An antisymmetric tensor representing electric and magnetic fields in 4D:
F_μν = [0, -E_x, -E_y, -E_z; E_x, 0, B_z, -B_y; ...] (fill in matrix).
6. Covariant Derivative and Affine Connection
Covariant derivative accounts for curvature in space:
∇_j A^i = ∂_j A^i + Γ^i_jk A^k
Christoffel Symbols (Γ^k_ij): Non-tensor objects representing basis vector change.

7. Riemann Curvature Tensor and Related Concepts


- Riemann Tensor: R^i_jkl = ∂_k Γ^i_jl - ∂_l Γ^i_jk + Γ^i_km Γ^m_jl - Γ^i_lm Γ^m_jk
- Bianchi Identity: ∇_m R^i_jkl + ∇_k R^i_jlm + ∇_l R^i_jmk = 0
- Ricci Tensor: R_ij = R^k_ikj
- Einstein Equation (Vacuum): R_ij - ½ g_ij R = 0

8. Solved Previous Year Questions (Selected from Provided Papers)


(Sample questions and solutions based on uploaded previous year papers will be included
here.)

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