Question on group actions on vector spaces

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions required for a group G acting on a vector space (e.g., \mathbb{R}^n) to ensure that the orbit Gx of any given vector x in \mathbb{R}^n forms a manifold. The scope includes theoretical aspects of group actions, manifold theory, and linearity of group actions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the conditions that group G must satisfy for the orbit Gx to be a manifold.
  • Another participant states that if G is a Lie group acting smoothly on \mathbb{R}^n, then the orbits will be immersed submanifolds.
  • A different participant suggests that the orbit has a group structure similar to G, implying that G must also be a manifold with continuous multiplication under the topology of the manifold.
  • There is a question raised about whether G is intended to act linearly on the vector space.
  • One participant clarifies that for G to act linearly, every element of G must be a linear map, adhering to the group action rules.
  • A later reply confirms the necessity for the group to act linearly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that for the orbits to be manifolds, G must act linearly on the vector space, but the specific conditions and implications of this requirement are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the precise nature of the group action and the implications of linearity on the structure of the orbits.

mnb96
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Hello,
If I am given a vector space (e.g. [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex]), and a group [itex]G[/itex] that acts on [itex]\mathbb{R}^n[/itex], what are the conditions that [itex]G[/itex] must satisfy so that for any given [itex]x\in\mathbb{R}^n[/itex] its orbit [itex]Gx[/itex] is a manifold ?
 
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If G is a Lie group acting smoothly on R^n, then the orbits will be immersed submanifolds.
 
The orbit has the same group structure as G does by multiplication [tex]gx \cdot hx = (gh)x[/tex] and the obvious isomorphism [tex]g \mapsto gx[/tex]. So this means that your group G has to be a manifold. I'm guessing you'll want the multiplication to be continuous under the topology of the manifold or something, I'll have to think about itEDIT: Woops, not an isomorphism,. That's what happens when you use the word obvious.

Ok after thinking about this for a bit, I have to ask: did you perhaps want G to act linearly on the vector space?
 
Last edited:
Office_Shredder said:
Ok after thinking about this for a bit, I have to ask: did you perhaps want G to act linearly on the vector space?

Uhm...Sorry, could you please specify what does "to act linearly" mean?
Thanks
 
Every element of G is a linear map, so along with the normal group action rules you have

[tex]g \cdot (\alpha x + \beta y) = \alpha g \cdot x + \beta g \cdot y[/tex]

Otherwise the fact that we're living in a vector space is a happy coincidence and has very little bearing on the problem
 
Ok. I got it, so yes...the group has to act linearly.
 

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