Understanding the Clebsch Gordan Coefficients: Explained and Solved

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The discussion centers on the properties of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, specifically the validity of the equation \(\sum_{m_1,m_2}||^2 = 1\). Participants confirm that this equation holds true, emphasizing that the summation over all possible values of \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) ensures the equality. The conversation references the use of a Clebsch-Gordan calculator and insights from Grenier's book "Nuclear Models," which supports the understanding of these coefficients in quantum mechanics.

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malawi_glenn
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[SOLVED] Stupid question about Clebsch Gordan

I know that

\sum _{m_1,m_2}|<j_1m_1,j_2m_2|jm>|^2 = 1

But is

\sum _{m_1,m_2}|<j_1m_1,j_2-m_2|jm'>|^2 = 1 ?

I have tried to justify this by using a CG calculator and so on, but I just can't figure out why :S

I think that doesent matter, since you sum over all m_2 and m_1 so that m_1 + m_2 = m'.

Does anyone have a hint or clue?
 
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Maybe an example will help. Suppose m_1 = -1, 0 , 1. Write out the two sums over m_1 explicitly.
 
If you use -m_2, then you can only have m_1-m_2=m'.
CG are not defined (or are zero) unless m_1+m_2=m.
 
pam said:
If you use -m_2, then you can only have m_1-m_2=m'.
CG are not defined (or are zero) unless m_1+m_2=m.


those things I know.

Geroge Jones:

\sum _{a=-1}^1a = \sum _{a=1}^{-1}(-a)
 
pam said:
If you use -m_2, then you can only have m_1-m_2=m'.
CG are not defined (or are zero) unless m_1+m_2=m.


those things I know.

Geroge Jones:

\sum _{a=-1}^1a = \sum _{a=1}^{-1}(-a)
 
malawi_glenn said:
I know that

\sum _{m_1,m_2}|<j_1m_1,j_2m_2|jm>|^2 = 1

But is

\sum _{m_1,m_2}|<j_1m_1,j_2-m_2|jm'>|^2 = 1 ?

I have tried to justify this by using a CG calculator and so on, but I just can't figure out why :S

I think that doesent matter, since you sum over all m_2 and m_1 so that m_1 + m_2 = m'.

Does anyone have a hint or clue?

As you say, since you are summing over all possible m_2 anyway, it does not matter at all if the label is - m_2 or m_2. Unless I am missing something...
 
kdv said:
As you say, since you are summing over all possible m_2 anyway, it does not matter at all if the label is - m_2 or m_2. Unless I am missing something...


Thats what I am wondering too :)

I was looking in Greniers book "nuclear models" page 93 and 94, and saw that he must have uses this property. And this is a sub problem for my HW, so therefor I aksed here.
 
malawi_glenn said:
Thats what I am wondering too :)

I was looking in Greniers book "nuclear models" page 93 and 94, and saw that he must have uses this property. And this is a sub problem for my HW, so therefor I aksed here.

The two expressions are equal. I was wondering if something had made you doubt it and if I was maybe not understanding the notation.
 
kdv said:
The two expressions are equal. I was wondering if something had made you doubt it and if I was maybe not understanding the notation.

No you have understand my question correct. I will mark this as solved now.
 
  • #10
kdv said:
The two expressions are equal. I was wondering if something had made you doubt it and if I was maybe not understanding the notation.

This is what I was trying to get at, but I accidentally wrote m_1 instead of m_2.
 
  • #11
malawi_glenn said:
But is

\sum _{m_1,m_2}|<j_1m_1,j_2-m_2|jm'>|^2 = 1 ?
I think that doesent matter, since you sum over all m_2 and m_1 so that m_1 + m_2 = m'.
I'm sorry, but I'm still puzzled. If that isn't a misprint, you can't have
<m_1,-m_2|m'> if m_1+m_2=m'.
 
  • #12
pam said:
I'm sorry, but I'm still puzzled. If that isn't a misprint, you can't have
<m_1,-m_2|m'> if m_1+m_2=m'.

no of coruse not, But the other guys understood my question;)
 

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