Demonstration [L_i,x_j]= ε_ijk x_k

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the commutation relation in quantum mechanics, specifically demonstrating that the commutator [L_i, x_j] equals iħε_ijk x_k. The user initially miscalculated the expression, leading to the incorrect result of (ħ/i)ε_ijk x_j. The correction was made by recognizing that the indices j and k commute, which changes the sign, confirming that [L_i, x_j] = iħε_ijk x_k is indeed valid.

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ebol
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Hi!
I have to show that
[L_i,x_j]= i \hbar \varepsilon_{ijk} x_k

but my result is different, I'm definitely making a mistake :confused:
ok I wrote
L_i = \varepsilon_{ijk} x_j p_k
then
[L_i,x_l]= \varepsilon_{ijk} ( [x_j p_k , x_l] ) = \varepsilon_{ijk} ( {x_j [p_k , x_l] + [x_j , x_l] p_k } ) = \varepsilon_{ijk} ( {x_j [p_k , x_l] } ) =

= \varepsilon_{ijk} ( {x_j \frac{\hbar}{i} δ_{kl} } ) = \frac{\hbar}{i} \varepsilon_{ijk} {x_j }

can anyone tell me where I'm wrong? :frown:
thanks anyway! :smile:
 
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welcome to pf!

hi ebol! welcome to pf! :smile:
ebol said:
I have to show that
[L_i,x_j]= i \hbar \varepsilon_{ijk} x_k

= \frac{\hbar}{i} \varepsilon_{ijk} {x_j }

but \frac{1}{i} \varepsilon_{ijk} {x_j } = i \varepsilon_{ijk} x_k :wink:
 
ah!
and why? :)
Because the indices j and k commute and changes the sign?
 
yup! :biggrin:

that's what ε does!​
 
thank you very much!
I arrived at the solution but I did not know :D
 
he he :biggrin:
 

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