Deriving the commutation relations of the Lie algebra of Lorentz group

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the commutation relations of the Lie algebra associated with the Lorentz group, specifically focusing on the generators of rotations and boosts. Participants are exploring the mathematical framework involving the Levi-Civita symbol and the Kronecker delta in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the steps involved in deriving the commutation relations, particularly the transition between different mathematical expressions. Questions are raised about the definitions of indices and the Minkowski metric used in the derivation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing clarifications about the notation and definitions involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the properties of the generators and their implications for simplifying the identities related to the commutation relations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the requirement to show attempts at solutions as per forum rules, indicating that participants must engage with the problem rather than simply express confusion.

bella987
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Homework Statement
Find commutation relations for Lorentz group
Relevant Equations
See below.
This is the defining generator of the Lorentz group
1_Q.png

which is then divided into subgroups for rotations and boosts
2_Q.png

And I then want to find the commutation relation [J_m, J_n] (and [J_m, K_n] ). I'm following this derivation, but am having a hard time to understand all the steps:
Skjermbilde 2023-04-09 130023.png

especially between here and the following step
4_Q.png

Could someone explain to someone just getting familiar with the Levi-Cevita symbol and its Kronecker delta dependence, what exactly is going on from step to step here? I would be so grateful!!
 
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Indices with roman letters are spatial right, and greek time + spatial?
What definition of minkowski metric you have? Diag(+,-,-,-) or Diag(-,+,+,+)?
 
Hmm, the greek letters are definitely time + spatial, but in the second included equation we divide the 6 generators into three spatial ones (rotations) and three temporal ones (boosts), so the roman ones are used when seperating them like that.
And it's mostly minus metric.
 
Ok, great.
Well that is the first step. ##g_{\alpha \gamma}## becomes ##- \delta_{ac}##.
1681042905024.png


Do you know anything about the ##\mathcal{L}## i.e. are they symmetric or anti-symmetric? This will help you simplify identities with kroneckers and levi-civitas.

Use
1681042861128.png

and calculate the commutator
1681042891053.png

show first that this equals
1681042925729.png

just by replacing ##g## with kroeckers and using the defining commutation amongs ##\mathcal{L}##.

As per the forum rules, you must show your attempt at a solution. "I do not understand" is not enough.
 

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