How do I calculate number of generators of SO(5)?

[arroy_0205]

The group SO(5) is relevant at times in particle physics. Can anybody please explain how to calculate the number of generators of SO(5)?

 

[chrispb]

With SO(n), you can rotate axis 1 into axes 2, 3,...,N. With axis 2, you can rotate it into 3,...N. So, SO(n) has (N-1)+(N-2)+...+1 = N(N-1)/2 generators. So, SO(2) has 1, SO(3) has 3, SO(4) has 6 and SO(5) has 10. Hope this helps.

 

[arroy_0205]

Thanks a lot for your reply. I understand this now.