Tensor Product of Pauli Matrices

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The discussion revolves around calculating the matrix elements of the tensor product of Pauli matrices, specifically \(\sigma_2 \otimes \eta_1\), in a four-dimensional tensor product space defined by specific basis states. The participant expresses confusion about handling matrices from different spaces and seeks clarification on applying the relevant equations for tensor products. They suggest using the defined basis to represent the matrices \(\sigma_2\) and \(\eta_1\) before taking their tensor product. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding linear transformations in the context of tensor products. Overall, the thread emphasizes the need for clarity in applying mathematical concepts across different dimensional spaces.
oshilinawa
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Homework Statement


Suppose that [\sigma_a]_{ij} and [\eta_a]_{xy} are Pauli matrices in two different two dimensional spaces. In the four dimensional tensor product space, define the basis:
|1\rangle=|i=1\rangle|x=1\rangle
|2\rangle=|i=1\rangle|x=2\rangle
|3\rangle=|i=2\rangle|x=1\rangle
|4\rangle=|i=2\rangle|x=2\rangle
Write out the matrix elements of \sigma_2\otimes\eta_1

Homework Equations


\sigma_a\sigma_b=\delta_{ab} + i\epsilon_{abc}\sigma_c

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that that \sigma_2\otimes\sigma_1=\begin{bmatrix}0&0&0&-i\\0&0&-i&0\\0&i&0&0\\i&0&0&0\end{bmatrix}
And \langle i,x| \sigma_2\otimes\eta_1|j,y\rangle = \langle i| \sigma_2|j\rangle \langle x| \eta_1|y\rangle
I'm just confused about the matrices being in different spaces, how do I use the defined basis to calculate the matrix elements? I suspect I need the formula given as a relevant equation, but how can I use it with matrices in different spaces.
I'm doing self study with Georgi - Lie Algebras.
 
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Here's what I'm thinking: We have two matrices A and B that represent linear transformations f and g in two spaces U and V with basis (u, u') and (v, v'), respectively. The tensor product space U otimes V will have as a basis (uv, uv', u'v, u'v') and A otimes B will be the matrix representation of f otimes g with the aforementioned basis.

So represenet sigma_2 with respect to (|i=1>, |i=2>) and then eta_1 with respect to (|x=1>, |x=2>) and take their tensor product.

I'm no expert on this though. Caveat emptor.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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