Problem following a demonstration

In summary: Last edited: Aug 11, 2016In summary, the conversation is about calculating the commutator between two components of angular momenta. The individual is having trouble understanding how to transform the Levi-Civita symbols in the equations. They attempt to do so by using delta symbols, but are unsure of how to calculate two of the resulting terms. They also mention wanting to post an image from Wikipedia to help clarify their question.
  • #1
Frank Einstein
170
1

Homework Statement



Good morning or afternoon everybody. I am trying to calculate the commutator between two components of angular momenta by following somebody's steps. During the process, I arrive to one step which I can't follow. It's between before and after the equal.

Σnmljnmkln iħ XlPm - Σnmkjnmkmh iħ XnPh = iħ(Σml (-δjkXlPl)+ΣmjkmXjPkmkXnPnδjknjkmXjPk).

What I don't get is how we transform the levi civita symbols (∈)

Homework Equations


[/B]
https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/649e6209e5af520ca1a5ea07c33b58591565ab3a

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
In this case, we can transform the symbols of the left part of the equal to get four deltas; ∈jmnkln = -δjkδml + δjlδmk & ∈jnmkmh = -δjkδnh + δjhδmk.

Then, we can use δml on XlPm and δmk on PmXl to obtain what is seen at the left of the equal, Σml (-δjkXlPl) & ΣmkXnPnδjk

But I don't know how can I calculate the other two terms, ΣmjkmXjPk & -ΣnjkmXjPk.

If anyone can tell me how to calculate them, I would be very thankfull
 
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  • #2
Can you check your indices again?

It seems that the -Σn∈jkmXjPk has no n to index with the summation.

The other ∈jnm∈kmh= -δjkδnh + δjhδmk. looks off too as the righthand side sums over m, right?
and so there should not be an m index on the lefthand side.

CAVEAT: I'm no expert so wait until a math advisor comments here (@micromass or @Mark44)
 
  • #3
jedishrfu said:
Can you check your indices again?

It seems that the -Σn∈jkmXjPk has no n to index with the summation.

The other ∈jnm∈kmh= -δjkδnh + δjhδmk. looks off too as the righthand side sums over m, right?
and so there should not be an m index on the lefthand side.

CAVEAT: I'm no expert so wait until a math advisor comments here (@micromass or @Mark44)

You are right, it is ∈jkn.
On the other hand, I wanted to post an image from wikipedia in which the product of two levi civita symbols is described, but I can't copy the image, what I want to do is to write the symbols as a matrix of deltas, then grab the δii multiplied by the substraction of two products of deltas.
 
  • #4
Frank Einstein said:
I wanted to post an image from wikipedia
It seems to not be a image. So you'd need to take a screenshot, then attach to your post that screenshot image.

EDIT: If you surround wikipedia's SVG link with IMG tags, you could request that viewers click on Reply (whether or not they may intend replying), and they will see that the image does display as intended in the pop-up editor pane.

https://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_147089323842911&key=6afc78eea2339e9c047ab6748b0d37e7&libId=irpvisre010009we000MAfj4chclj&loc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.physicsforums.com%2Fthreads%2Fproblem-following-a-demonstration.881099%2F&v=1&out=https%3A%2F%2Fwikimedia.org%2Fapi%2Frest_v1%2Fmedia%2Fmath%2Frender%2Fsvg%2F649e6209e5af520ca1a5ea07c33b58591565ab3a&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.physicsforums.com%2Fwatched%2Fthreads%2Fall&title=Problem%20following%20a%20demonstration%20%7C%20Physics%20Forums%20-%20The%20Fusion%20of%20Science%20and%20Community&txt=https%3A%2F%2Fwikimedia.org%2Fapi%2Frest_v1%2Fmedia%2Fmath%2Frender%2Fsvg%2F649e6209e5af520ca1a5ea07c33b58591565ab3a
 

Related to Problem following a demonstration

1. What is a "problem following a demonstration"?

A problem following a demonstration refers to the difficulty or challenge one may face when trying to replicate the results or steps shown in a scientific demonstration or experiment.

2. What are some common reasons for having a problem following a demonstration?

There can be various reasons for having a problem following a demonstration, such as having insufficient understanding of the scientific concepts, lack of proper equipment or materials, or not following the correct procedure.

3. How can one overcome a problem following a demonstration?

The key to overcoming a problem following a demonstration is to fully understand the scientific concepts and principles involved. One can also seek help from a mentor or instructor, carefully follow the procedure, and ensure all necessary materials and equipment are available.

4. Does having a problem following a demonstration mean I am not a good scientist?

No, having a problem following a demonstration does not make you a bad scientist. It is a common and natural part of the scientific process to encounter difficulties and challenges. What matters is how you approach and overcome these challenges.

5. How can having a problem following a demonstration actually benefit me as a scientist?

Encountering a problem following a demonstration can actually be beneficial as it allows you to critically think, problem-solve, and troubleshoot. It also helps in developing a deeper understanding of the scientific concepts and improve your skills as a scientist.

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