Nolting Theoretical Physics 1, Jacobian Notation Question

In summary, the Jacobian determinant is a mathematical concept used in the study of multivariable functions. The notation used by Nolting in his textbook Theoretical Physics 1 includes a bracket subscript to indicate which variables are being held constant in the partial derivatives. This notation may vary in other textbooks, as seen in Blinder's explanation of the notation in his paper on mathematical methods in elementary thermodynamics.
  • #1
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25
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Homework Statement
What does the subscript mean
Relevant Equations
$$\frac{\partial( x_{1}, x_{2})}{\partial (y_{1}, y_{2})} =

\begin{vmatrix}
\left (\frac{\partial x_{1}}{\partial y_{1}} \right )_{y_{2}}& \left ( \frac{\partial x_{1}}{\partial y_{2}} \right )_{y_{1}}\\
\left (\frac{\partial x_{2}}{\partial y_{1}} \right )_{y_{2}}& \left ( \frac{\partial x_{2}}{\partial y_{2}} \right )_{y_{1}}
\end{vmatrix}$$
On Page 406 of Nolting Theoretical Physics 1 he has the following notation for the Jacobian determinant

$$\frac{\partial( x_{1}, x_{2})}{\partial (y_{1}, y_{2})} =
\begin{vmatrix}
\left (\frac{\partial x_{1}}{\partial y_{1}} \right )_{y_{2}}& \left ( \frac{\partial x_{1}}{\partial y_{2}} \right )_{y_{1}}\\
\left (\frac{\partial x_{2}}{\partial y_{1}} \right )_{y_{2}}& \left ( \frac{\partial x_{2}}{\partial y_{2}} \right )_{y_{1}}
\end{vmatrix}$$

I am unfamiliar with this notation and can not find an explanation in any textbooks .
What does the bracket subscript mean? In ##\left(\frac{\partial x_{1}}{\partial y_{1}} \right )_{y_{2}}## what does the ## y_{2}## mean?
 
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  • #2
In this case the subscript is somewhat redundant. More generally, it can be unclear in a partial derivative what is being held constant. That's what the subscript shows.
Normally there is a long vertical bar just in front of the subscript. Maybe the parentheses are instead of the bar.
 
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  • #3
haruspex said:
In this case the subscript is somewhat redundant. More generally, it can be unclear in a partial derivative what is being held constant. That's what the subscript shows.
Normally there is a long vertical bar just in front of the subscript. Maybe the parentheses are instead of the bar.

Thanks, I found a good explanation of the notation in
Mathematical methods in elementary thermodynamics S. M. Blinder Chem. Educ. 1966, 85-92
https://doi.org/10.1021/ed043p85
 

Related to Nolting Theoretical Physics 1, Jacobian Notation Question

1. What is the Jacobian notation used for in Nolting Theoretical Physics 1?

The Jacobian notation is used to represent the derivatives of a multi-variable function. It is particularly useful in the study of vector calculus and is commonly used in theoretical physics to describe the behavior of physical systems.

2. How is the Jacobian matrix calculated in Nolting Theoretical Physics 1?

The Jacobian matrix is calculated by taking the partial derivatives of a set of functions with respect to a set of variables. The resulting matrix contains the coefficients of the partial derivatives and is used to describe the transformation between coordinate systems.

3. What is the significance of the Jacobian matrix in Nolting Theoretical Physics 1?

The Jacobian matrix is significant because it allows for the transformation of coordinates between different systems, such as Cartesian and polar coordinates. It also plays a crucial role in the study of vector fields and their behavior.

4. How is the Jacobian notation related to the chain rule in Nolting Theoretical Physics 1?

The Jacobian notation is closely related to the chain rule, which states that the derivative of a composite function is equal to the product of the derivatives of its individual functions. In the case of the Jacobian matrix, it represents the derivatives of a multi-variable function and is used to calculate the derivative of a composite function.

5. What are some practical applications of the Jacobian notation in Nolting Theoretical Physics 1?

The Jacobian notation has various practical applications in theoretical physics, such as in the study of fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. It is also used in engineering and computer graphics to model and simulate physical systems.

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