Proving \{ \gamma^5 , \gamma^\mu \} = 0 to Gamma 5 Matrix Verification

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying the anticommutation relation \{ \gamma^5 , \gamma^\mu \} = 0 within the context of quantum field theory and gamma matrices. Participants are exploring the properties of these matrices and their implications in theoretical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to manipulate the expression for the anticommutation relation, considering the effects of switching gamma matrices and the implications of the metric tensor. Some participants raise questions about the correctness of related equations in the context of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the manipulation of gamma matrices and discussing related theoretical concepts. There is a focus on understanding the relationships between Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, though no consensus has been reached on the verification of the original claim.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific equations and concepts from theoretical physics literature, indicating a reliance on established texts and notes for clarification. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the definitions and relationships between Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.

latentcorpse
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How do I verify \{ \gamma^5 , \gamma^\mu \} = 0

I have

\{ \gamma^5 , \gamma^\mu \} = \gamma^5 \gamma^\mu + \gamma^\mu \gamma^5
= -i ( \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 + \gamma^5 \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 )
= -i ( \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 - \gamma^0 \gamma^5 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 )
= -i ( \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 + \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^5 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 )
= -i ( \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 - \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^5 \gamma^3 )
= -i ( \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 + \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 )

But this is not quite right, because at some point I will have shifted the \gamma^\mu past itself and so I will get an additional term +2 \eta^{ \mu \mu} since \{ \gamma^\mu , \gamma^\nu \} = 2 \eta^{\mu \nu}

So I should get three terms:
= -i ( \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 + \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 -2 \eta^{\mu \mu} \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5 )

and then

= -i ( (2-2 \eta^{\mu \mu}) \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^5) \neq 0 since \eta^{\mu \mu} = 4, no?
 
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So you have to prove that
<br /> \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^{\mu} + \gamma^{\mu} \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 = 0<br />

The main idea is to get matrices with identical indexes close to each other.
Note that
1. every time you switch two \gamma's with \mu \neq \nu you get a minus sign
2. if you have to move \gamma^\mu in the first summand k times to the left, you will have to move it in the second summand (3-k) times to the right, thus giving ou additional (-1)
 
quZz said:
So you have to prove that
<br /> \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 \gamma^{\mu} + \gamma^{\mu} \gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3 = 0<br />

The main idea is to get matrices with identical indexes close to each other.
Note that
1. every time you switch two \gamma's with \mu \neq \nu you get a minus sign
2. if you have to move \gamma^\mu in the first summand k times to the left, you will have to move it in the second summand (3-k) times to the right, thus giving ou additional (-1)

Thanks. Can I also ask, why equation 3.25 is correct? Isn't that the interaction Lagrangian instead of the interaction Hamiltonian? I think you'll need to look at eqn 3.7 as well.

Cheers.
 
em... which book? =)
 
It comes right from the connection between hamiltonian and lagrangian.

If you have for lagrangian L = L1 + L2 and L2 does not depend on derivatives, then for hamiltonian you have H = H1 + H2, where H1 corresponds to L1 and H2 = -L2.

Even more, if you have infinitesimal addition (that can depend on derivatives) to lagrangian: L = L0 + L', then for hamiltonian H = H0 + H', where H0 corresponds to L0 and H' = -L'.
 
quZz said:
It comes right from the connection between hamiltonian and lagrangian.

If you have for lagrangian L = L1 + L2 and L2 does not depend on derivatives, then for hamiltonian you have H = H1 + H2, where H1 corresponds to L1 and H2 = -L2.

Even more, if you have infinitesimal addition (that can depend on derivatives) to lagrangian: L = L0 + L', then for hamiltonian H = H0 + H', where H0 corresponds to L0 and H' = -L'.

when you say H0 correspsonds to L0, do you mean H0=L0? Or it is just some function of L0?
 
H0 can't be equal to L0, because they don't depend on the same (field) variables. For the system without constraints, the Hamiltonian is the Legendre transformation of the Lagrangian wrt the generalized velocities.
 

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