Solving the Mystery of ##\bar{\psi}_L \psi_L = \bar{\psi} \psi_L##

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the equation ##\bar{\psi}_L \psi_L = \bar{\psi} \psi_L##, where participants explore the implications of the Dirac spinor notation and the properties of gamma matrices. The user attempts to derive the equation using the relationship ##\bar{\psi} = \psi^\dagger \gamma^0## and the anticommutation relation ##\gamma_5 \gamma_0 = -\gamma_0 \gamma_5##, ultimately concluding that the expression equals zero due to the product of the projectors. However, the correct interpretation involves the term ##\bar{\psi}_L \gamma^\mu \psi_L##, which maintains equality with ##\bar{\psi} \gamma^\mu \psi_L##, indicating a misunderstanding in the manipulation of the spinor components.

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Monaliza Smile
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Hi,

It's known that ## \bar{\psi}_L \psi_L = \bar{\psi} \psi_L## I tried to work this out but i do not reach that
Here what I do : since ## \bar{\psi} = \psi^\dagger \gamma^0##, and ## \gamma_5 \gamma_0 = - \gamma_0 \gamma_5 ##

then

## \bar{\psi}_L \psi_L = \frac{1}{4} (1-\gamma_5 ) \psi^\dagger \gamma^0 (1-\gamma_5 ) \psi = \frac{1}{4} \psi^\dagger \gamma^0 (1+\gamma_5 ) (1-\gamma_5 ) \to 0 ##

I get this equals zero ! since (1+\gamma_5 ) (1-\gamma_5 ) = 0

so what's wrong I made ?

Best ..
 
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I knew the answer ## \bar{\psi}_L \gamma^\mu \psi_L ## which equals ## \bar{\psi} \gamma^\mu \psi_L ##
 
Not sure I understand what you're trying to do. You want to prove this?
$$\bar{\psi}_L\gamma^{\mu}\psi_L=\bar{\psi}_L\gamma^{\mu}\psi_L$$
 

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