Show that [J_a,G_a] = 0, commutation relationships

In summary, the conversation discusses proving a given equation using the Jacobi identity and finding a way to relate two expressions using the Levi-Civita symbol. The conversation also mentions using a hint to find the appropriate values for the labels in the Jacobi identity.
  • #1
ma18
93
1

Homework Statement


Using the given equations prove that

upload_2015-10-28_12-22-32.png

Homework Equations

upload_2015-10-28_12-22-47.png
,

upload_2015-10-28_12-23-42.png
,[/B]

upload_2015-10-28_12-21-41.png
+
upload_2015-10-28_12-21-50.png


(it won't render together in Maple for whatever reason)

The Attempt at a Solution



So I started with expanding the Jacobi Identity (the third relevant equation) and through tedious algebra arrived at proving it unnecessarily and then finding that

upload_2015-10-28_12-27-32.png


then by applying the second equation this goes to

upload_2015-10-28_12-27-49.png


I am unsure how to proceed from here however.

The question also gives the hint that the trick to solve it is to take the appropriate particular values of the labels a,b,y in the Jacobi identity but I am unsure how to use this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
You're not actually given ##[G_a,G_b]##, so it's a bit of a hassle to use that Jacobi identity. Try to find a way to relate ##[J_a,G_b]## to the expression ## [ J_a, [J_b,J_c]]## and use the Jacobi identity for that.
 
  • #3
fzero said:
You're not actually given ##[G_a,G_b]##, so it's a bit of a hassle to use that Jacobi identity. Try to find a way to relate ##[J_a,G_b]## to the expression ## [ J_a, [J_b,J_c]]## and use the Jacobi identity for that.

Hmm okay, tbh I'm not sure how to proceed with that
 
  • #4
ma18 said:
Hmm okay, tbh I'm not sure how to proceed with that

To push you along, consider
$$ {\epsilon_a}^{bc} [J_b,J_c] = i {\epsilon_a}^{bc} {\epsilon^d}_{bc} G_d.$$
Using an identity for the Levi-Civita symbol will give you an expression for ##G_a## in terms of the commutator of ##J##s.
 

Related to Show that [J_a,G_a] = 0, commutation relationships

1. What is the significance of the commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 in physics?

The commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that represents the concept of observables and their corresponding operators. This relationship indicates that the observables J_a and G_a can be measured simultaneously without affecting each other's measurements. It also implies that these observables are compatible and can have a well-defined value at the same time.

2. How can the commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 be derived?

The commutator relationship can be derived mathematically using the commutator bracket, which is defined as [A,B] = AB - BA. By applying this definition to the operators J_a and G_a and using the properties of angular momentum and generators, the commutation relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 can be derived.

3. Can the commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 be violated?

No, the commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics and cannot be violated. It is a mathematical representation of the uncertainty principle, which states that certain pairs of observables cannot have simultaneous precise measurements.

4. What is the physical interpretation of the commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0?

The commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 has a physical interpretation in terms of the conservation of angular momentum and energy. It implies that the generators G_a, which represent transformations in space and time, do not change the angular momentum J_a of a physical system. This shows that the total angular momentum of a system is conserved and cannot be altered by transformations.

5. How does the commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 relate to the symmetry of physical systems?

The commutator relationship [J_a,G_a] = 0 is closely related to the symmetry of physical systems. In particular, it represents the symmetry of space and time, as the generators G_a are associated with transformations in these dimensions. This relationship is crucial in understanding the symmetries of physical laws and their corresponding conservation principles.

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