Trouble finding ##L^2## in function of ##x## and ##p##

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the calculation of the angular momentum squared operator, ##L^2##, in terms of position ##x## and momentum ##p##. The user struggles with the algebraic manipulation and seeks help to identify errors in their derivation. A key point of confusion arises from the treatment of the Kronecker delta, ##\delta_{kk}##, which the user initially misinterprets. Upon clarification, the user realizes their mistake regarding the summation, leading to a breakthrough in understanding. This exchange highlights the importance of careful attention to mathematical details in quantum mechanics calculations.
pixyl
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Homework Statement
Prove that ##\vec L^2 = \vec x^2 \vec p^2 - (\vec x \cdot \vec p)^2 + i\hbar \vec x \cdot \vec p##
Relevant Equations
##\varepsilon_{ijk}\varepsilon_{imn} = \delta_{jm}\delta_{kn} - \delta_{jn}\delta_{km}##,
##L_i = \varepsilon_{ijk}x^jp^k##,
##[x^i, p^j] = i\hbar\delta_{ij}##
##[x^i, x^j] = [p^i, p^j] = 0##
What I've done is
$$\vec{L}^2 = \varepsilon_{ijk}x^jp^k\varepsilon_{imn}x^mp^n = (\delta_{jm}\delta_{kn} - \delta_{jn}\delta_{km})x^jp^kx^mp^n = x^jp^kx^jp^k - x^jp^kx^kp^j = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - x^jp^kx^kp^j = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - (x^jx^kp^kp^j - i\hbar x^jp^j) = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - (x^jx^kp^jp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j) = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - x^jp^jx^kp^k = $$
$$ = \vec x^2 \vec p^2 - (\vec x \cdot \vec p)^2 - i\hbar \vec x \cdot \vec p$$

I've tried again and again and I don't understand what I'm doing wrong: if you can spot the error it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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##p_k x_k=x_k p_k - i\hbar \delta_{kk} = x_k p_k - 3i\hbar##
 
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vela said:
##p_k x_k=x_k p_k - i\hbar \delta_{kk} = x_k p_k - 3i\hbar##
Oh my god yes... I just thought ##\delta_{kk} = 1## so I ignored it, forgetting about the sum. Thank you, you've ended my two days misery!
 
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