Geometric Algebra: Explaining Commutators on Tri-Vectors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of commutators acting on tri-vectors within the context of geometric algebra, particularly under orthonormal conditions. Participants explore the implications of linear dependence on tri-vectors, the transformation of vectors generated by the exponentiation of tri-vectors, and comparisons to bi-vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the action of commutators on tri-vectors, noting that while bi-vectors yield another bi-vector, tri-vectors vanish if linearly dependent, raising the question of their behavior when not linearly dependent.
  • Another participant suggests that the transformation of a vector under the exponentiation of a tri-vector results in a rotation or reflection, seeking clarification on the nature of this exponentiation.
  • A participant references the formula for complex exponentiation, relating it to vector transformations and implying that this results in a rotation.
  • There is a comparison made between transformations involving bi-vectors and tri-vectors, with specific examples provided for bi-vectors and a query about how these principles extend to tri-vectors.
  • One participant proposes a formula for the commutator of a tri-vector, drawing an analogy to the commutator of a bi-vector.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the behavior of tri-vectors and the nature of transformations, with no consensus reached on the specifics of how tri-vectors behave under commutation or exponentiation.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions involve assumptions about linear dependence and the definitions of transformations, which may not be universally agreed upon. The mathematical steps related to the transformation of vectors and the properties of commutators remain unresolved.

scariari
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can anyone explain how commutators act on tri-vectors (in orthonormal conditions)?

on bi-vectors i know that it ends up to be a bivector again,
but with tri-vectors it vanishes if its lineraly dependent.
what about the case if its not linearly dependent,
does that mean it remains a tri-vector?

how does a vector transform under a transformation generated by exponentiation of a trivector ?

a transformation is a rotation or reflection,
but who can explain the exponentiation?
 
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Originally posted by scariari
how does a vector transform under a transformation generated by exponentiation of a trivector
Hint:
[tex] \exp{(ix)}=\cos{(x)}+i\sin(x)[/tex]
 
so using exp(ix)=cos(x)+ isin(x), multiplying it by the vector, this will result in a rotation, correct?

i have found examples for bi-vectors, but how does this change with tri-vectors?

for a bivector:

I^2=-1
K^2=1

exp(Ix)=cos(x)+I sin(x)
exp(Kx)=cos(hx)+K sin(hx)

cos (hx)=0.5(exp(x)+exp(-x)
sin(hx) = 0.5(exp(x)-exp(-x)

v'=exp(Kx)vexp(-Kx)

abs(v)=sin(hx)/cos(hx)=tan(hx)

is this a lorentz transformation?


also, i read that complex numbers represent vectors as points with the transformation...?
 
Originally posted by scariari
also, i read that complex numbers represent vectors as points with the transformation...?
Yes, R+iI <-> (R,I).
 
Originally posted by scariari
how does a vector transform under a transformation generated by exponentiation of a trivector
Ah, now I think I understand what you mean.
Of course, you can't usually define the exponentiation of a vector. But you can define the eponentiation of a linear operator (matrix).
Like this: Let A be a matrix, then
[tex] \exp{(A)}=\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac{A^k}{k!}.[/tex]
Let's say a transformation can be written in the form
[tex] x' = \exp{(A)} \cdot x.[/tex]
Now, if A = 1 + Gt with some parameter t, then G is called the generator of this transformation. For rotations, t is the angle.
 
if the commutator of a bi-vector [A,B] is found by AB-BA, is the commutator of a tri-vector then ABC-BCA-CAB?
 

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