The GATE Grind

GATE Mathematical Physics: tensors: tensor transformations, covariant and contravariant tensors. – Previous Year Questions

3 GATE previous year questions on tensors: tensor transformations, covariant and contravariant tensors. (Mathematical Physics, Physics) with answers and explanations, from every paper.

  1. GATE 2023 PH Q17 (1 mark, Multiple choice) – In two-dimensional Cartesian coordinates a rank-two contravariant tensor is T=pmatrix0&1\\1&0pmatrix. The axes rotate anticlockwise by an acute angle…
  2. GATE 2025 PH Q50 (2 marks, Multiple select) – In coordinates (t,x), a contravariant second rank tensor has Att=P,Axx=Q, all other entries zero. A Lorentz boost in +x with speed v gives A A. Set…
  3. GATE 2024 PH Q51 (2 marks, Multiple select) – A and B are contravariant and covariant vectors; repeated indices are summed. Which expressions are tensors?