Confusion with the Gordon identity

In summary, the Gordon identity states that when plugging in a value for the index μ, the corresponding (p'+p)^μ represents a 4-vector with components p'^μ + p^μ. The notation \gamma^5 refers to a different object and should not be confused with \gamma^μ where μ=5.
  • #1
Higgsy
21
0
For the Gordon identity

$$2m \bar{u}_{s'}(\textbf{p}')\gamma^{\mu}u_{s}(\textbf{p}) = \bar{u}_{s'}(\textbf{p}')[(p'+p)^{\mu} -2iS^{\mu\nu} (p'-p)_{\nu}]u_{s}(\textbf{p}) $$

If I plug in $\mu$=5, what exactly does the corresponding $(p'+p)^{5}$ represent?
4 vectors can only have 4 components so is this just an exponential?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
That does not make sense. Why would you plug in ##\mu = 5##, and what would that be supposed to mean?
 
  • #3
It is a 4vector...
[itex] ( p' + p ) ^\mu = p'^\mu + p^\mu [/itex]...
the first notation is shorter... :smile:

[itex]\mu[/itex] is an index taking values 0,1,2,3...

Don't get confused with the [itex]\gamma^5[/itex]... it is not [itex]\gamma^\mu[/itex] with [itex]\mu=5[/itex], but it's a different object...
 
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FAQ: Confusion with the Gordon identity

1. What is the Gordon identity in physics?

The Gordon identity, also known as Gordon's identity or Gordon's theorem, is a mathematical relationship between the Dirac matrices and the Pauli-Lubanski vector in relativistic quantum mechanics. It is used to simplify calculations involving the spin of particles.

2. How is the Gordon identity derived?

The Gordon identity is derived from the Dirac equation, which describes the behavior of spin-1/2 particles in a relativistic quantum mechanical framework. By manipulating the Dirac equation, one can obtain the Gordon identity, which relates the spin vector of a particle to its momentum and mass.

3. What are the practical applications of the Gordon identity?

The Gordon identity is mainly used in theoretical physics and quantum field theory. It has applications in particle physics, nuclear physics, and quantum information theory. It is also used in calculations involving the spin of particles in relativistic systems.

4. How does the Gordon identity relate to the spin of particles?

The Gordon identity provides a mathematical relationship between the spin vector and the momentum of a particle. It shows that the spin of a particle is always aligned with its momentum in the direction of motion, and it has a magnitude proportional to its mass.

5. Can the Gordon identity be extended to particles with higher spin?

Yes, the Gordon identity can be extended to particles with higher spin, such as spin-1 particles. However, the mathematical relationship becomes more complex, involving higher-order tensors instead of just vectors. The generalization of the Gordon identity to higher spin particles is an active area of research in theoretical physics.

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