Methods of Mathematical Physics (PH 301)

Assignment-I Date: October 18, 2023

Q .1 Show that

a) δij ϵijk = 0
   
b ϵijk r × pk = ri pj - rj pi ⇒ r × pi = ϵijk rj pk

c) δij ϵkmn - δik ϵmnj + δim ϵnjk - δin ϵjkm = 0

Q .2 Prove the following identities using tensor notation :

           
a) A × B · C × D = A · C B · D - A · D B · C

           
b A × B × C × D = A · B × D C - A · B × C D

Q .3 (I) Write the following isotropic tensors in terms of δ & ϵ tensors :

a) Tisotropic
ij = 〈Ai Bj 〉 = ?

b Tisotropic
ijk = 〈Ai Bj Ck 〉 = ?

c) Tisotropic
ijmn = 〈Ai Bj Cm Dn 〉 = ?

d Tisotropic
ijkmn = 〈Ai Bj Ck Dm En 〉 = ?

e) Tisotropic
ijklmn = 〈Ai Bj Ck Dl Em Fn 〉 = ?

where 〈scalar〉 = scalar & 〈isotropic - tensor〉 = isotropic - tensor

(II) Count the number of idependent scalars which can be formed as the product of N vectors.

Q .4 Show that
  
a) L = r × p is a pseudovector, i.e., Li ' = J Rij Lj
     
b S = A · B × C is a pseudoscalar, i.e., S ' = J S if A , B & C are all vectors.

c) ϵijk is an isotropic pseudo - tensor.

Q .5 Show that Rik Rjk = δij for the following expression of Rij :

Rij = δij cosφ + ϵijk nk sinφ + ni nj [1 - cosφ]

       
Q .6 a For L = r × p = m r × v & v = ω × r,
find the expression of an inertia tensor Iij such that Li = Iij ωj
2 MMP-assign-I.nb

  
b For F = d p with p = mv

,
dt
1 - (v / c)2
find the expression of a mass tensor mij such that Fi = mij aj ,

where a = d v . Further, find mij in the limit v << c.

dt

c) Given that Ai Bj = C δij + ϵijk Ck + Cij such that Cij = Cji & Cii = 0, find {C, Ci , Cij } = {? ,?,?}