Group S3: Irreducible vs Reducible Representation

In summary, the conversation discusses representations of the group ##S_3##, including both irreducible and reducible representations. The irreducible representation is shown to be ##e, a, b, c, d, f## and the reducible representation is ##e, d, f, a, b, c##. The question is posed as to why it is better to use irreducible representations in this case and in general.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
717
20

Homework Statement


##e = \begin{bmatrix}
1 & 0 \\[0.3em]
0 & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##,
##a =\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
1 & -\sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
-\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##.
##b =\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
1 & \sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##c= \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & 0 \\[0.3em]
0 & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##d=\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & \sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
-\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##f=\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & -\sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
\sqrt{3} & -1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
This is irreducible representation of group ##S_3##. \\
Reducible representation of ##S_3## is
##e=d=f = \begin{bmatrix}
1 & 0 \\[0.3em]
0 & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
##a =b=c=\frac{1}{2} \begin{bmatrix}
-1 & -\sqrt{3} \\[0.3em]
-\sqrt{3} & 1 \\[0.3em]

\end{bmatrix}##
Why is better to use irreducible then reducible representation in this case and in general?
 
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  • #2
What do you mean by "better to use?" You haven't used any representations to do anything.
 
  • #3
In practice one always take some irreducible representation to work with. My question is why?
 

FAQ: Group S3: Irreducible vs Reducible Representation

What is a group representation?

A group representation is a way of expressing a group element as a linear transformation on a vector space. It is a useful tool in mathematics and physics for studying the symmetries of a system.

What is the difference between an irreducible and reducible representation?

In an irreducible representation, the vector space cannot be split into subspaces that are invariant under the group action. This means that the representation cannot be broken down into smaller representations. In a reducible representation, the vector space can be decomposed into smaller invariant subspaces, allowing for the representation to be broken down into simpler components.

How do you determine if a representation is irreducible or reducible?

One way to determine if a representation is irreducible is by using the Schur's Lemma, which states that if a linear transformation between two irreducible representations is invariant under the group action, then it must be a scalar multiple of the identity. If a representation is not invariant under the group action, then it is reducible.

What is the significance of irreducible vs reducible representations?

The significance of irreducible vs reducible representations lies in their usefulness in studying the symmetries of a system. Irreducible representations are important because they cannot be broken down into smaller components, making them the building blocks for understanding the symmetries of a system. Reducible representations, on the other hand, can be broken down into smaller components, allowing for a more simplified analysis of the system's symmetries.

Can a reducible representation be made irreducible?

Yes, a reducible representation can be made irreducible by finding a basis for the vector space that contains invariant subspaces under the group action. This means that the basis vectors do not transform into each other under the group action, making the representation irreducible.

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