In mathematics and physics, the commutator is an operation that measures the extent to which two elements fail to commute, represented as $[A, B] = AB - BA$. It captures essential features of the algebraic structures involved, particularly in the context of Lie algebras and their relationship with symmetry and transformations. Understanding commutators is crucial for studying properties like the structure constants of Lie algebras, as well as applications in quantum mechanics where they represent fundamental physical observables such as angular momentum.
congrats on reading the definition of Commutator. now let's actually learn it.