Sakurai's Formula for <j m | S^2_+ |j m >

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nusc
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Formula
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the matrix element , with references to Sakurai's equations. Participants are exploring the relevant formulas and their implications in the context of angular momentum in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the relation using Sakurai's equations, particularly referencing equations 3.5.35 and 3.5.37. There are discussions about the implications of the delta functions and the structure of the matrix elements involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants are questioning the construction of the formula and its absence in Sakurai's text. Others are exploring the implications of using the lowering operator S_{-} and how it relates to the overall calculation. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the operators involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of angular momentum operators and their matrix elements, with specific attention to the definitions and assumptions underlying the calculations. There is a mention of potential missing information regarding the delta functions and their roles in the equations.

Nusc
Messages
752
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement



Does anyone know what the formula is for the following:

<j m | S^2_+ |j m > = ?

Reference to equations in Sakurai would be helpful in deriving the relation. I would suspect 3.5.37 but what about the delta_j j' ?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
3.5.35 a

<j',m|J^2 |j,m> = j(j+1)hbar^2 delta_j j' delta m m'

3.5.37 is

J_+ |j,m> = c_jm^+ |j,m+1>
 
Well, I'd start by calculating [itex]S_{-}|j,m\rangle[/itex]...what do you get for that?
 
J_- |j,m> = c_{j,m}^+ |j,m-1>

The formula that I'm interested in is :
<j m | S^2_+ |j m > = delta_m',m+2 c_jm^+ c_j m+1 ^+

But I don't understand how that is constructed, it's not in sakurai.
 
Well, [itex]\langle j,m|S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=\langle j,m|(S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle)[/itex] and [itex]S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=S_{-}(S_{-}|j,m\rangle)=[/itex]___?
 
ok thx
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Well, [itex]\langle j,m|S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=\langle j,m|(S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle)[/itex] and [itex]S^2_{-}|j,m\rangle=S_{-}(S_{-}|j,m\rangle)=[/itex]___?

Normally J_+*J_- is substituted as J^2 - J_z^2+hbarJ_z

As you described above, J_+(J_-J_+), wouldn't the content in parenthesese just cancel out?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K