Introduction to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 6.9

Symmetries and Conservation Laws — David J. Griffiths

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · parity_selection_rules

Problem

(a) Under parity, a "true" scalar operator does not change: Π^†f^Π^=f^,\hat{\Pi}^\dagger \hat{f} \hat{\Pi} = \hat{f}, whereas a pseudoscalar changes sign. Show therefore that [Π^,f^]=0\left[\hat{\Pi}, \hat{f}\right] = 0 for a "true" scalar, whereas {Π^,f^}=0\left\{\hat{\Pi}, \hat{f}\right\} = 0 for a pseudoscalar. Note: the anti-commutator of two operators A^\hat{A} and B^\hat{B} is defined as {A^,B^}≡A^B^+B^A^\left\{\hat{A}, \hat{B}\right\} \equiv \hat{A} \hat{B} + \hat{B} \hat{A}. (b) Similarly, a "true" vector changes sign Π^†V^Π^=−V^,\hat{\Pi}^\dagger \hat{\mathbf{V}} \hat{\Pi} = -\hat{\mathbf{V}}, whereas a pseudovector is unchanged. Show therefore that {Π^,V^}=0\left\{\hat{\Pi}, \hat{\mathbf{V}}\right\} = \mathbf{0} for a "true" vector and [Π^,V^]=0\left[\hat{\Pi}, \hat{\mathbf{V}}\right] = \mathbf{0} for a pseudovector.

Related theory

Browse the problem library