Torsion elements in effect algebras

Abstract

We define the torsion element in effect algebras and use it to characterize MV-effect algebra and 0-homogeneous effect algebras in chain-complete effect algebras. As an application, we prove that every element of an orthocomplete homogeneous atomic effect algebra has a unique basic decomposition into a sum of a sharp element and unsharp multiples of atoms. Further, we characterize homogeneity by the set of all sharp elements in orthocomplete atomic effect algebras.