How to Simplify Commutators Using Levi-Civita Symbol?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on simplifying commutators using the Levi-Civita symbol in the context of angular momentum. The participant struggles with the application of the Levi-Civita symbol (εijk) and the Kronecker delta (δkj) in their calculations. They realize that using the same index for different purposes leads to confusion and incorrect results. Ultimately, they confirm that recognizing the antisymmetry property of the Levi-Civita symbol (εijk = -εikj) is crucial for resolving the issue.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the Levi-Civita symbol (εijk)
  • Knowledge of the Kronecker delta (δkj)
  • Basic principles of index notation in tensor calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Levi-Civita symbol in detail
  • Learn about the implications of index notation in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the derivation of angular momentum commutation relations
  • Investigate the role of antisymmetry in tensor calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those working with angular momentum and tensor calculus, will benefit from this discussion.

KostasV
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image.jpg

Homework Statement


The problem statement can be seen in the picture i uploaded.

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


The attempt to the solution can be seen in the picture i uploaded.
I reached to the A and i don't know how to proceed to the solution that is given below. How does the minus and δkj disappear?
If i do the double summation on k and j I think that every term gets zero either because of εijk (levi-cevita) or δkj (kronecker)
 
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You used the index j twice: once for the index on x and then again as a dummy summation index when writing out the angular momentum in terms of the levi-civita symbol.
 
TSny said:
You used the index j twice: once for the index on x and then again as a dummy summation index when writing out the angular momentum in terms of the levi-civita symbol.
I can't see why this is wrong ... :/
 
TSny said:
You used the index j twice: once for the index on x and then again as a dummy summation index when writing out the angular momentum in terms of the levi-civita symbol.
Moreover , if i use , let's say the index m on x (not on x that comes from angular momentum , yes on x that is alone) , then i still have the minus on ih bar ... My solutions say that it should not be there ...
 
image.jpg
Ok i think i understand why i can't have the same index on these two .
Moreover i think i found how i get rid of this minus ...
I must use the fact that εijk=-εikj wright ?
Is now the solution correct ? (Uploaded photo)
 
Yes. That looks very good.
 
TSny said:
Yes. That looks very good.
Thank you very much for your help :D
 

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