Proving Commutation of an Operator with Rotation Generator Components

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a property of an operator, specifically that if an operator A commutes with two components of the rotation generator operator J, it must also commute with the third component. The subject area involves quantum mechanics and operator algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the commutation relations and explore the use of the Jacobi identity. There is uncertainty about the sign in the commutation relation and how to apply it effectively. Some participants suggest using specific components of J and manipulating the commutators to reach a conclusion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering hints and alternative approaches. Some have found useful insights, such as the application of the Jacobi identity, while others are still grappling with the final steps needed to prove the commutation with the third component.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of uncertainty regarding the sign of the commutator, which may affect the reasoning. Participants are also considering the equivalence of the rotation components and the implications of their commutation properties.

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Homework Statement


Prove that if A is an operator which commutes with two components of the rotation generator operator, J, then it commute with its third component.


Homework Equations


[tex][A_{\alpha},J_{\beta}]=i \hbar \epsilon_{\alpha \beta \gamma} A_{\gamma}[/tex]
(not sure about the sign of this commutator it might be minus.


The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, then I am given:
[tex][A,J_{\alpha}]=[A,J_{\beta}]=0[/tex]
thus also [tex][A^2,J^2]=[A^2_{\alpha}+A^2_{\beta}+A^2_{\gamma},J^2_{\alpha}+J^2_{\beta}+J^2_{\gamma}]=[A^2,J^2_{\gamma}]=0[/tex] I used the above relevant equations to get to the last equality, but here is where I am stuck, I also know that [tex][A^2,J_{\gamma}]=0[/tex], but I don't seem to get to the last punch line which is [tex][A,J_{\gamma}]=0[/tex].

Any hints?
 
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MathematicalPhysicist said:
[tex][A_{\alpha},J_{\beta}]=i \hbar \epsilon_{\alpha \beta \gamma} A_{\gamma}[/tex]
(not sure about the sign of this commutator it might be minus.

Did you really mean to write this?

All directions are equivalennt, so, WLOG, you can pick J_1 and J_2 as the components that commute with A.
Use [J_1 , J_2] = i \hbar J_3 in [A , J_3], and maybe use the Jacobi identity.
 
OK thanks, I glossed over Jacobi identity in Wiki, and it does the job.
 
A more transparent way might be to expand completely (i.e., get rid all commutators) [A, [J_1, J_2]], and use the fact that A commutes with J_1 and J_2 to move all the A's completely to right (or left) of all the terms.
 

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