Homology cross product and orientation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between orientations of vector spaces and their homology groups, specifically in the context of the homology cross product. It establishes that an orientation of a real n-dimensional vector space V corresponds to an equivalence class of ordered bases and is linked to the generator of H_n(V, V-0) = Z. The conversation further explores how the cross product of generators µ and µ' from H_n(R^n, R^n-0) and H_n'(R^n', R^n'-0) results in a generator in H_{n+n'}(R^{n+n'}, R^{n+n'}-0), corresponding to the canonical orientation of the combined space R^{n+n'}.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of real n-dimensional vector spaces
  • Familiarity with homology groups, specifically H_n and H_n'
  • Knowledge of singular simplices and their properties
  • Basic concepts of orientation in vector spaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of homology groups in algebraic topology
  • Learn about the construction and significance of singular simplices
  • Explore the concept of cross products in homology
  • Investigate the implications of orientation in higher-dimensional vector spaces
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, algebraic topologists, and students studying vector spaces and homology theory will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the interplay between orientation and homological algebra.

quasar987
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An orientation of a real n dimensional vector space V is an equivalence class of an ordered basis. Equivalently, this corresponds to a choice of a generator of H_n(V,V-0)=Z. The correspondence between the two is this: given an ordered basis (v_1,...,v_n) of V, the convex hull of {v_0:=0,v_1,...,v_n} defines an n-simplex in V. Translate this n-simplex a little so that its boundary belongs to V-0 and view this as a singular n-cycle in (V,V-0). It is a generator of H_n(V,V-0). Permute two of the basis elements and you get the other generator. Reciprocally, a generator of H_n(V,V-0) is represented by a singular n-simplex as above together with a canonical order of its vertices (v_0,v_1,...,v_n). The associated orientation is the one determined by (v_1-v_0, v_2-v_0,...,v_n-v_0).

Now my question: Say µ in H_n(R^n, R^n-0) is the generator corresponding to the canonical orientation [e_1,...,e_n] of R^n and µ' in H_n'(R^n', R^n'-0) is the generator corresponding to the canonical orientation [e_1,...,e_n'] of R^n'. How to see (or prove) that µ x µ' in H_{n+n'}(R^{n+n'},R^{n+n'}-0) is the generator corresponding to the canonical orientation [e_1,...,e_{n+n'}] of R^{n+n'} ??

Thx
 

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