Understanding Composition of Point Symmetry Generators in Lie Algebras

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding the composition of point symmetry generators in Lie algebras, specifically through the calculation involving two operators, Z1 and Z2. Participants emphasize the importance of performing calculations to grasp the underlying concepts rather than relying solely on formulas. The operators are defined in terms of their respective functions multiplying the derivatives, and the computation of their product is outlined. It is noted that when Z1 and Z2 are composed, the second derivative terms cancel out, leaving only first derivative terms. The conversation highlights the challenges and frustrations of performing these calculations accurately.
alikvot
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I am taking a first course in Lie algebras and currently working with this problem (see attached file). I understand that the product of the two operators should be regarded as composition. How to explain the final expression?
Regards
Staffan
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
Haven't you tried just doing the computation? That's how you learn mathematics- not just by looking at formula and expecting to understand them, but by actually doing the calculations!

You are given that
Z_j= \xi_j(x,u)\frac{\partial}{\partial x}+ \chi_j(x,u)\frac{\partial}{\partial u}
for j= 1 and 2. In other words, the difference between Z1 and Z2 is the functions multiplying the derivatives.

If f is any function of x and u (any reason for using x and u instead of x and y?) then
Z_1 Z_2(f)= \xi_1(x,u)\frac{\partial}{\partial x}+ \chi_1(x,u)\frac{\partial}{\partial u}[ \xi_2(x,u)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}+ \chi_2(x,u)\frac{\partial f}{\partial u}]
= \xi_1(x,u)\frac{\partial}{\partial x}[\xi_2(x,u)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}+ \chi_2(x,u)\frac{\partial f}{\partial u}]+ \chi_j(x,u)\frac{\partial}{\partial u}[\xi_2(x,u)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}+ \chi_2(x,u)\frac{\partial f}{\partial u}]
= \xi_1\xi_2\frac{\partial^2 f}+ \xi_1 \frac{\partial \xi_2}{\partial x}\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}+ \cdot\cdot\cdot

Finish that, then do the same for Z_2Z_1 and subtract. All the second derivative terms (those not involving derivatives of \xi_1, \xi_2, \chi_1, or \chi_2) will cancel leaving only first derivative terms.
 
Yes, I *have* calculated but I didn't manage to get the 1st derivatives right. Thanks a lot!
 
Yeah, I hate tedious calculations like that!
 
I am studying the mathematical formalism behind non-commutative geometry approach to quantum gravity. I was reading about Hopf algebras and their Drinfeld twist with a specific example of the Moyal-Weyl twist defined as F=exp(-iλ/2θ^(μν)∂_μ⊗∂_ν) where λ is a constant parametar and θ antisymmetric constant tensor. {∂_μ} is the basis of the tangent vector space over the underlying spacetime Now, from my understanding the enveloping algebra which appears in the definition of the Hopf algebra...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
870