Question: Consider the 2 x 2 matrix defined by where a 0 is a real number and a is a three dimensional vector with real components.

Consider the 2 x 2 matrix defined byU= = ao + io.a ao-io a

where a0 is a real number and a is a three dimensional vector with real components.

(a) Prove that U is unitary and unimodular.

(b) In general, a 2 x 2 unitary unimodular matri x represents a rotation in three dimensions. Find the axis and angle of rotation appropriate for U in terms of a0 , a1, a2, and a3.

U= = ao + io.a ao-io a

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a To prove that a 2x2 matrix U is unitary we need to show that its conjugate transpose U is equal to ... View full answer

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