Solving for Momentum in Energy Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for momentum in the context of an energy equation, specifically involving the Dirac delta function and its application in quantum mechanics. Participants explore the mathematical formulation and implications of the energy-momentum relationship, engaging with concepts from the theory of distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the right-hand side of an equation should be multiplied by 2, suggesting a potential oversight in the original formulation.
  • Another participant argues that a fraction before the delta function should disappear, indicating a different interpretation of the equation.
  • A participant introduces a theoretical framework involving the theory of distributions, presenting a formula for the delta function in relation to roots of an equation.
  • One participant expresses a desire for a clearer and more mature explanation of the problem, indicating uncertainty about their previous understanding of distributions.
  • Another participant provides a detailed solution to the equation, deriving two solutions for momentum and computing the derivative, which they claim differs from the original post.
  • A later reply acknowledges a mistake in the initial post and expresses gratitude for the correction, indicating a learning moment in the discussion.
  • Participants engage in light-hearted banter, reflecting a friendly atmosphere despite the technical disagreements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There are multiple competing views regarding the correct application of the delta function and the formulation of the energy equation. Some participants agree on the corrections made, while others maintain differing interpretations of the initial problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific mathematical steps and theoretical concepts that may depend on particular definitions and assumptions in quantum mechanics and the theory of distributions. Some steps in the derivation remain unresolved or are subject to interpretation.

RedX
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[tex]\delta(\frac{p_f^2}{2m}-E_i^o-\hbar\omega)=\frac{m}{p_f} \delta(p_f-[2m(E_i^o+\hbar\omega)]^{\frac{1}{2}})[/tex]

Shouldn't the right hand side be multiplued by 2?
 
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marlon said:
i am sorry but according to me the fraction before the delta should disappear.

marlon



Mr.QM+QFT guru,you f***ed up big time... :-p


Apply the THEORY:
[tex]f(x):R\rightarrow R[/tex](1)
only with simple zero-s (the algebraic multiplicies of the roots need to be 1).
Let's denote the solutions of the equation
[tex]f(x)=0[/tex](2)
by [itex](x_{\Delta})_{\Delta={1,...,N}}[/itex] (3)
and let's assume that:
[tex]\frac{df(x)}{dx}|_{x=x_{\Delta}} \neq 0[/tex] (4)

Then in the theory of distributions there can be shown that:

[tex]\delta f(x)=\sum_{\Delta =1}^{N} \frac{\delta (x-x_{\Delta})}{|\frac{df(x)}{dx}|_{x=x_{\Delta}}|}[/tex] (5)

Read,Marlon...Read... :rolleyes:

Daniel.
 
Last edited:
is there anyone else that can solve this problem in a clear and more mature manner. It's been a while since i worked with distributions in this way and it seems quite interesting to me. Can someone tell me what i did wrong ?

thanks in advance

regards
marlon
 
Okay:
[tex]f(x)\rightarrow f(p_{f})=\frac{p_{f}^{2}}{2m}-E_{0}^{i}-\hbar\omega[/tex] (6)

Solving the equation
[tex]f(p_{f})=0[/tex] (7)

,yields the 2 solutions (which fortunately have the degree of multiplicity exactly 1)

[tex]p_{f}^{1,2}=\pm \sqrt{2m(E_{0}^{i}+\hbar\omega)}[/tex] (8)

Computing the derivative of the function on the solutions (8) of the equation (7),we get,after considering the modulus/absolute value:
[tex]\frac{df(p_{f})}{dp_{f}}=\frac{\sqrt{2m(E_{0}^{i}+\hbar\omega)}}{m}[/tex] (9)

Combining (8),(9) and the general formula (5) (v.prior post),we get:

[tex]\delta (\frac{p_{f}^{2}}{2m}-E_{0}^{i}-m_{i})=\frac{m}{\sqrt{2m(E_{0}^{i}+\hbar\omega)}} \{\delta[p_{f}-\sqrt{2m(E_{0}^{i}+\hbar\omega)}]+\delta[p_{f}+\sqrt{2m(E_{0}^{i}+\hbar\omega)}]\}[/tex] (10)

which is totally different than what the OP had posted...

IIRC,when learning QFT,i always said to myself:theorem of residues and the theory of distributions go hand in hand...

Daniel.
 
Indeed, i just looked up the rule at hand. I get the same solution and i see where i went wrong in my first post. thanks for the polite correction.

marlon

i deleted my erroneous post
 
marlon said:
thanks for the polite correction.

marlon

It's always nice to encounter the two of you in a post. All this harmony and warmth...
 
da_willem said:
It's always nice to encounter the two of you in a post. All this harmony and warmth...

yes, we really are the best of friends... :wink:

marlon
 

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