Tensor
A tensor is a mathematical object. Tensors provide a mathematical framework for solving physics problems in areas such as elasticity, fluid mechanics and general relativity.[1] The word tensor comes from the Latin word tendere meaning "to stretch".
A tensor of order zero (zeroth-order tensor) is a scalar (simple number).[2] A tensor of order one (first-order tensor) is a linear map that maps every vector into a scalar.[2] A vector is a tensor of order one.[2] A tensor of order two (second-order tensor) is a linear map that maps every vector into a vector (e.g. a matrix).[2]
In linear algebra, the tensor product of two vector spaces [math]\displaystyle{ V_1 }[/math] and [math]\displaystyle{ V_2 }[/math], [math]\displaystyle{ V_1 \otimes V_2 }[/math],[3] is itself a vector space. It is a way of creating a new vector space analogous of multiplication of integers.[4]
Related pages
- Einstein field equations, where tensor is used
References
- ↑ Rowland, Todd; Weisstein, Eric W. "Tensor". Wolfram Research. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Danielson, D. A. (1997). Vectors and Tensors in Engineering and Physics (Second ed.). Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley. p. 17. ISBN 0-201-44210-8.
- ↑ "Comprehensive List of Algebra Symbols". Math Vault. 2020-03-25. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
- ↑ Weisstein, Eric W. "Vector Space Tensor Product". mathworld.wolfram.com. Retrieved 2020-09-07.