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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the squared angular momentum operator, ##\vec{L}^2##, in quantum mechanics, specifically in relation to the position ##\vec{x}## and momentum ##\vec{p}## operators. The user initially miscalculated terms involving the Kronecker delta, ##\delta_{kk}##, leading to confusion in their derivation. The correct interpretation of the delta function is crucial, as it simplifies the expression and resolves the user's misunderstanding. Ultimately, the user acknowledges the oversight and expresses gratitude for the clarification provided by another forum member.

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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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