Commutation relationsl, angular momentum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the commutation relations for angular momentum operators, specifically [L_{x}, L_{y}], [L_{y}, L_{z}], and [L_{z}, L_{x}]. Participants are exploring the relationships between these operators and the factors of i and ℏ involved in their expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the commutation relations and are questioning the appearance and disappearance of the factor of iℏ in the expressions. There is confusion regarding the signs in the calculations and the correct form of the angular momentum operators.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the need for the factor of iℏ in the expressions for L_{z} and have pointed out potential mistakes in the original poster's calculations. However, there is still uncertainty about the correct signs and the overall setup of the commutation relations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can provide. The original poster has not shown all steps in their calculations, leading to difficulties in identifying specific errors.

rayman123
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Homework Statement


calculate the following commutation relations
[tex][L_{x}L_{y}]=[/tex]
[tex][L_{y}L_{z}]=[/tex]
[tex]][L_{z}L_{x}]=[/tex]




Homework Equations



[tex][L_{x},L_{y}]= -\hbar^2[y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}][/tex]
where the expression in the parentheses describes [tex]L_{z}[/tex]
but i still have [tex]\hbar^2[/tex] can someone explain to me how we get [tex]i \hbar L_{z}[/tex] where did the [tex]\hbar^2[/tex] go? And how did we get i back again?

here is my calculation
[tex][L_{x},L_{y}]= L_{x}L_{y}-L_{y}L_{x}=-\hbar^2[(y\frac{\partial}{\partial z}-z\frac{\partial}{\partial y})(z\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial z})-(z\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial z})(y\frac{\partial}{\partial z}-z\frac{\partial}{\partial y})][/tex]


here is my second commutation
[tex][L_{z},L_{x}]=[/tex] in this one i get plus instead of minus...do not know where i make mistake...
[tex][L_{z},L_{x}]= }=-\hbar^2[(x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}-y\frac{\partial}{\partial x})(y\frac{\partial}{\partial z}-z\frac{\partial}{\partial y})-(y\frac{\partial}{\partial z}-z\frac{\partial}{\partial y})(x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}-y\frac{\partial}{\partial x})]= -\hbar^2(x\frac{\partial}{\partial z}+z\frac{\partial}{\partial x})[/tex]

Homework Statement

 
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Ummm, yeah, you're missing the ihbar because you haven't equated the
[tex] [L_{x},L_{y}]= -\hbar^2[y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}][/tex]
part to how Lz is supposed to look. You'll hit your head as you notice that to get to Lz you need a factor of ihbar. Same for the others. :)
 
hm i still do not get it...first it dissapears and then suddenly comes upp again...
and why in the last commutation the sign is wrong?
 
[tex][L_{x},L_{y}]<br /> = -\hbar^2[y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}]<br /> = (i^2)\hbar^2[y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}]<br /> = (i\hbar) \left(i\hbar[y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}]<br /> \right)<br /> [/tex]
 
rayman123 said:
[tex][L_{x},L_{y}]= -\hbar^2[y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}][/tex]
where the expression in the parentheses describes [tex]L_{z}[/tex]
That's your mistake. You're forgetting the factor of [itex]i\hbar[/itex].

[tex]L_{z} = i\hbar \left(y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}\right) \ne y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}[/tex]
here is my second commutation
[tex][L_{z},L_{x}]=[/tex] in this one i get plus instead of minus...do not know where i make mistake...
[tex][L_{z},L_{x}]= }=-\hbar^2[(x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}-y\frac{\partial}{\partial x})(y\frac{\partial}{\partial z}-z\frac{\partial}{\partial y})-(y\frac{\partial}{\partial z}-z\frac{\partial}{\partial y})(x\frac{\partial}{\partial y}-y\frac{\partial}{\partial x})]= -\hbar^2(x\frac{\partial}{\partial z}+z\frac{\partial}{\partial x})[/tex]
We can't see where you made the mistake either since you didn't show your work. The set-up looks fine, though.
 
if you don't want things to get messy try to start from the fact that L= rxp
then, Lx= yp(z) - zp(y) .. Ly= zp(x) - xp(z) .. Lz = xp(y) - yp(x)

also make use of : [x,y]=0, [x,z]=0, [y,z]=0, [px,y]=0, [px,z]=0, [py,x]=0, [py,z]=0, [pz,x]=0, [pz,y]=0, [px,x]=-ih-par, [py,y]=-ih-par, [pz,z]=-ih-par ..
 

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