0
$\begingroup$

I am a bit confused about the way that Lorentz invariance of the scalar product $A^\mu g_{\mu\nu}B^\nu$ is proved. Usually, the proof would go like this (see also e.g. this Physics SE question). The transformed product is $A^{'\mu}g_{\mu\nu}B^{'\nu} = g_{\mu\nu}\Lambda^{\mu} _{\ \ \ \rho}A^\rho\Lambda^{\nu} _{\ \ \ \sigma}B^\sigma = A^\rho g_{\rho\sigma}B^\sigma $, since we define Lorentz transformations by the condition $\Lambda^{\mu} _{\ \ \ \rho}g_{\mu\nu}\Lambda^{\nu} _{\ \ \ \sigma}=g_{\rho\sigma}$.

However, if we say that the metric $g_{\mu\nu}$ is a tensor, should not the transformation of the scalar product also involve a transformation of the metric, i.e. $A^{'\mu}g' _{\mu\nu}B^{'\nu}$? This quantity would be automatically invariant, for any kind of transformation, since lower indices transform with the inverse transformation. In other words, the quantity $A^\mu g_{\mu\nu}B^\nu$ would be automatically invariant, without any conditions on the transformation actually being a Lorentz transformation, since it is a fully contracted tensor. What am I missing here?

$\endgroup$
2
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ I think your question is conflating two coordinate-transforming issues. In matrix terms for brevity, after special relativity worked out the consequences of Lorentz ($\Lambda^Tg\Lambda=g$) transformations, general relativity looked at diffeomorphism ($\Lambda^Tg'\Lambda=g,\,ds^2=g_{\mu\nu}dx^\mu dx^\nu=g'_{\mu'\nu'}dx^{'\mu'}dx^{'\nu'}$) transformations. This is part of the reason we write $g$ as $\eta$ in SR. $\endgroup$
    – J.G.
    Commented Mar 2, 2023 at 11:31
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for your comment! Would you agree though, that the invariance of the Minkowski metric $\eta$, if we say it is a tensor, has no bearing on the Lorentz invariance of $A^\mu \eta_{\mu \nu}B^\nu$, which is Lorentz invariant simply by virtue of being fully contracted? This is what I'm getting at with my question. The non-trivial statement is the invariance of the metric. The invariance of $A^\mu \eta_{\mu \nu}B^\nu$ however has nothing to do with the invariance of $\eta$. Surely $A^\mu f_{\mu \nu}B^\nu$ is also Lorentz invariant for an arbitrary tensor $f_{\mu \nu}$? $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 2, 2023 at 17:11

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

Since the Minkowski metric is Lorentz invariant, both viewpoints can be taken. Nevertheless, your second argument also applies for more general coordinate transformations: it holds for the diffeomorphisms we use in General Relativity, for example.

$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for your answer! Ok, I agree that the Minkowski metric is Lorentz invariant (which is a non-trivial statement). Would you agree though, that the invariance of the Minkowski metric, if we say it is a tensor, has no bearing on the Lorentz invariance of $A^\mu \eta{\mu\nu} B^\nu$, which is Lorentz invariant simply by virtue of being fully contracted? $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 2, 2023 at 16:03
  • $\begingroup$ @QuercusRobur Both arguments are correct. I personally prefer your version, which is also the one we would use in GR. I find it way more intuitive. However, it is also possible to argue using the "Lorentz trick". I don't see it as a wrong argument. $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 2, 2023 at 17:21
  • $\begingroup$ Your argument is also way more general. For example, it shows that $A^{\mu} \eta_{\mu\nu} B^{\nu}$ is still invariant under other changes of coordinates that are not Lorentz transformations. In this sense, I do agree it gets more to the bottom of things, so to speakl $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 2, 2023 at 17:23
  • $\begingroup$ Alright, thanks! $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 2, 2023 at 17:54

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.