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Lie Groups & Lie Algebras

From rotation matrices to the classification of simple Lie algebras through 42 interactive demonstrations. Fly through SO(3), twist quaternion belts, build Dynkin diagrams, and see how continuous symmetry underpins all of modern physics.

See also: Group Theory for the abstract group axioms that Lie groups satisfy, Differential Geometry for the manifold structure that makes them smooth, and Representation Theory for the linear representations central to physics applications.

  1. 01

    What is a Lie Group?

    Groups that are also smooth manifolds — where algebra meets geometry

    4 demos
  2. 02

    Matrix Lie Groups

    GL(n), SL(n), O(n), SO(n), U(n), SU(n) as geometric objects

    4 demos
  3. 03

    The Exponential Map

    exp: Lie algebra → Lie group — tangent vectors generate group elements

    4 demos
  4. 04

    SO(3) and 3D Rotations

    Axis-angle, Euler angles, gimbal lock, and SLERP interpolation

    5 demos
  5. 05

    SU(2) and Quaternions

    Double cover of SO(3), the belt trick, and quaternion rotations

    4 demos
  6. 06

    Lie Algebras

    Tangent space at identity, the Lie bracket [X,Y], and structure constants

    4 demos
  7. 07

    The Adjoint Representation

    Ad and ad — the group acts on its own algebra

    4 demos
  8. 08

    Root Systems & Dynkin Diagrams

    Classification of simple Lie algebras through crystallographic patterns

    5 demos
  9. 09

    Symmetry in Physics

    Gauge symmetries, Noether's theorem, and the Standard Model

    4 demos
  10. 10

    Lie Group Actions

    Orbits, stabilizers, and homogeneous spaces

    4 demos

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