Using Mathematica to solve for Jacobi Identity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around using Mathematica to solve problems related to the Jacobi Identity in the context of Quantum Mechanics, particularly focusing on commutators. Participants explore how to derive commutators from given relationships and express their challenges with Mathematica as a tool for these calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on using Mathematica to derive the commutator [p_i, p_j] from known commutators [x_i, x_j] and [x_i, p_j] based on the Jacobi Identity.
  • Another participant argues that it is not possible to derive [p_i, p_j] directly from [x_i, x_j] and [x_i, p_j] due to the absence of a unit element in a Lie algebra, suggesting that only expressions like [x_i, [p_i, p_j]] can be obtained.
  • A participant acknowledges the difficulty of manual calculations and mentions their own programming efforts to automate the process of generating equations, but expresses that without additional assumptions, shortcuts are not apparent.
  • Another participant mentions their research on deformed quantum mechanics and suggests that under certain assumptions, it may be possible to derive a form of [p_i, p_j] that satisfies the Jacobi Identity, indicating a desire to use Mathematica to simplify this process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of deriving [p_i, p_j] from the given commutators. While some acknowledge the complexity and limitations of the Jacobi Identity in this context, others believe that under specific conditions, it may still be possible to explore relationships between the commutators.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the challenges of deriving commutators without additional assumptions and the limitations of using Mathematica for these calculations. The discussion reflects a reliance on specific structures within Lie algebras and the nature of commutators in quantum mechanics.

Clarence Liu
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Hi everyone, I'm new to Physics Forums and to Mathematica, as well as Jacobi Identity.

In any case, I was wondering on how I may use Mathematica to solve various Quantum Mechanics related problems through commutators. Like if it's possible to find out what is the form of a particular commutator from the Jacobi Identity.

To be more specific, say I define [x_i, x_j] and [x_i,p_j] to be something, how do I use mathematica to find [p_i, p_j].

As well as the coding to supposedly find the uncertainty relation of 2 operators, suppose I define the commutator to be of a certain form/value.

In general, I'm simply not familiar with mathematica and I would like to make my life easier in doing these relevant calculations. Hope someone might be able to enlighten me on this aspect.

Thanks!
 
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I don't know how this is done in mathematica. I programmed the Jacobi-Identity once myself with what was at hand.
Anyway, you cannot derive ##[p_i,p_j]## from ##[x_i,x_j]## and ##[x_i,p_j]## by the Jacobi-Identity because there is no ##1## in a Lie algebra. You will only get expressions ##[x_i, [p_i,p_j]] = ...## and therefore only a result up to commuting parts. Why want you to do it? Usually you have a certain Lie algebra and its structure constants given.
 
fresh_42 said:
I don't know how this is done in mathematica. I programmed the Jacobi-Identity once myself with what was at hand.
Anyway, you cannot derive ##[p_i,p_j]## from ##[x_i,x_j]## and ##[x_i,p_j]## by the Jacobi-Identity because there is no ##1## in a Lie algebra. You will only get expressions ##[x_i, [p_i,p_j]] = ...## and therefore only a result up to commuting parts. Why want you to do it? Usually you have a certain Lie algebra and its structure constants given.
yes, I do understand that. but essentially, given a particular form of [xi, xj] and [xi, pj] you can in directly proof a certain form of [pi, pj] that obeys the Jacobi Identity. At least as far as I know. I'm actually doing some a research on deformed quantum mechanics from the commutator relationship under a supervisor from my university (I'm an sophomore). So in the research, if we are to suggest a particular deformed [xi, xj] and assuming [pi, pj] to still be 0, I'll be able to get a form of [xi, pj] which obeys the Jacobi Identity. I realized if I were to solve it by hand it's going to be quite a pain in the ass, so I was wondering if I'd be able to do it via Mathematica.
 
Well, it is painful, I know. That's why I've made a program that at least wrote me the equations so I'was left with simply comparing the coefficients. Without additional assumptions I don't see short cuts. Sorry, for I'm no help with mathematica.
 

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