Curvilinear Coordinates and Vector Calculus

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The discussion focuses on verifying operator identities involving the vector calculus operator \nabla and the angular momentum operator \vec{L}. Users express difficulty in simplifying the equations and suggest expanding them into spherical coordinates for clarity. One participant emphasizes the importance of using the double vector product identity to aid in the verification process. The conversation highlights the complexity of the calculations involved in manipulating these vector operators. Overall, the thread seeks assistance in navigating the intricacies of curvilinear coordinates and vector calculus.
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Homework Statement



With \vec{L} = -i\vec{r} x \nabla, verify the operator identities

\nabla = \hat{r}\frac{\partial }{\partial \vec{r}}-i\frac{\vec{r}\times\vec{L}}{r^{2}}
and
\vec{r} \bigtriangledown ^2 - \bigtriangledown (1+\vec{r}\frac{\partial }{\partial \vec{r}})=i\bigtriangledown \times \vec{L}

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



... I tried to expand it, and use some identities... But the equation becomes super complicated... Help!
 
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I don't see other way to do it other than expanding and writing the nabla operator in spherical coordinates...The only identity you need is the one for double vector product

\vec{A}\times \left(\vec{B}\times\vec{C}\right) = \ ...
 

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