Homework   2      Vector   Bundles 

 (Note that I have been inventive about some of the symbols)


11.  Show  that for  a k-form, **A = +/- A.  Compute the sign for a two form in R4, a one-form in R2, and a one form in R1,1.

12.   Show that for  A , B    k-forms,  A^*B = +/-  B^ *A  =  +/-  (A,B)G  .

13.  Compute the eigenvalues and eigen(co)vectors  for *  mapping E*--> E* where E = R1,1.  Find a set of coordinates whose differentials are these eigen (co)vectors.

14.  Do the same problem  for E* = R2. In this case, you will have to formally complexify and work with z = x1+ix2, z(bar) = x1 - ix2.

15.  Find the eigenvalues and eigen(co)vectors for * mapping  ^2E*-->^2E*  when E = R4.

16.  If A is a one-form in  E=R3, show that *dA = curl A.  How should we define curl in
R1,2? Compute explicity in terms of coordinates     a0dx0 + a1dx1 + a2dx2. How does the signature affect the computation?

17.  Write the Maxwell's equations discussed in the lecture in Rx Rn in terms of div and
curl when n = 3.  Recall that the four equations were:
     (i)       d*E = 4  j  ;         - d/dt E + d* B = 4  J.
      (ii)      dB = 0  ;        d/dt B + dE  = 0.

18.  Show that if j = J = 0, then   wave  E =  wave  B = 0 where  wave  =- (d/dt) +  laplace.

19.  Suppose E = -d/dt U, and  B = dU, for U a one form on R3.   Show that two  of the four  Maxwell equations (in space) are satisfied, and write the other two equations in terms of the one-form U.

20. Suppose   V =  v1e1 = v2e and W =  w1e1 + w2eare  two complex vectors written in terms of basis vectors.  Define  the inner product  (V,W) =  Re (v1(w1(bar))+ v2(w2(bar)). Compute explicitly in terms of complex numbers all the 2x2 matrices of complex numbers A which satisfy  (AV,AW) = (V,W) for all complex vectors V,W.  What extra restriction on the numbers do you get if you require det(A) = 1?  What is the dimension of the space of these matrices?  What is the topology?  Show the space of all such A is a group.