Finding Approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$

It was from a physics problem I was working on. Thank you for your help in summarizing the steps for finding the approximation!
  • #1
ryanwilk
57
0

Homework Statement



I need to find the approximation to:

[itex] X = m_N\>\bigg[\frac{m^2+\mu^2}{m_N^2 - (m^2+\mu^2)}\>\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2+\mu^2} \bigg) - \frac{m^2-\mu^2}{m_N^2 - (m^2-\mu^2)}\>\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2-\mu^2} \bigg) \bigg] [/itex]

for [itex] m^2 \gg \mu^2 [/itex].


Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



So obviously I can't just do [itex] m^2 \pm \mu^2 \approx m^2[/itex], otherwise X = 0, which makes me think that I need to expand the logs in some way...

Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Write the terms m22 in the form m2(1+x) with x=(μ/m)2. Expand the logarithm ln(1+x) with respect to x around x=0. The first power is enough: ln (1+x)=x. Ignore terms containing Edit: μ4 on higher powers.

ehild
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Ah ok thanks, so would this be correct?:

[itex]
X = m_N\>\bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)}\>\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2(1+x)} \bigg) - \frac{m^2(1-x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1-x)}\>\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2(1-x)} \bigg) \bigg]
[/itex]

Expanding the logs,

[itex]
\simeq m_N\>\bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)}\>\bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) - x \bigg] - \frac{m^2(1-x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1-x)}\> \bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2} \bigg) + x \bigg] \bigg]
[/itex]

Then ignoring all terms involving x or x2 on the numerator,

[itex]
\simeq m_N\>m^2\>\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg)\> \bigg[\frac{1}{m_N^2 - (m^2+\mu^2)} - \frac{1}{m_N^2 - (m^2 - \mu^2)} \bigg]
[/itex]
 
  • #4
Oops... Do not ignore x . Collect the terms with the common factor ln(mN/m) and those with the common factor x. Bring the terms to common denominator and try to simplify. Ignore the x^2 terms.
ehild
 
  • #5
ehild said:
Oops... Do not ignore x . Collect the terms with the common factor ln(mN/m) and those with the common factor x. Bring the terms to common denominator and try to simplify. Ignore the x^2 terms.
ehild

Ok, so something like?:

[tex]
m_{\nu_L} = m_N\>\bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)}\>\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2(1+x)} \bigg) - \frac{m^2(1-x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1-x)}\>\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2(1-x)} \bigg) \bigg]
[/tex]

[tex]
\simeq m_N\>\bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)}\>\bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) - x \bigg] - \frac{m^2(1-x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1-x)}\> \bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2} \bigg) + x \bigg] \bigg]
[/tex]

[tex]
\simeq m_N\>\bigg\{ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) \> \bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)} - \frac{m^2(1-x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1-x)} \bigg] - x \bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)} + \frac{m^2(1-x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1-x)} \bigg] \bigg\}
[/tex]

[tex]
\simeq m_N\>\bigg\{ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) \> \bigg[\frac{2 m^2 m_N^2 x}{(m_N^2 - m^2(1+x))(m_N^2 - m^2(1-x))} \bigg] - x \bigg[\frac{2m^2(m_N^2-m^2)}{(m_N^2 - m^2(1+x))(m_N^2 - m^2(1-x))} \bigg] \bigg\}
[/tex]

[tex]
= m_N\cdot 2m^2 x \bigg\{ m_N^2 \bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) - 1 \bigg] + m^2 \bigg\} \> \bigg[\frac{1}{(m_N^2 - m^2(1+x))(m_N^2 - m^2(1-x))} \bigg]
[/tex]

[tex]
= 2 m_N \mu^2 \bigg\{ m_N^2 \bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) - 1 \bigg] + m^2 \bigg\} \> \bigg[\frac{1}{(m_N^2 - (m^2+\mu^2))(m_N^2 - (m^2-\mu^2))} \bigg]
[/tex]
 
  • #6
It looks correct. You can further simplify the denominator. It is

[tex](m_N^2-m^2)^2-\mu^4[/tex],

and you can omit μ4 if mN2-m2>>μ2.

ehild
 
  • #7
ehild said:
It looks correct. You can further simplify the denominator. It is

[tex](m_N^2-m^2)^2-\mu^4[/tex],

and you can omit μ4 if mN2-m2>>μ2.

ehild

Awesome, thanks a lot! =D
 
  • #8
ryanwilk said:
Awesome, thanks a lot! =D

You are welcome. Where did this terrible thing come from?

ehild
 

Related to Finding Approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$

1. What is the purpose of finding an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$?

The purpose of finding an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$ is to simplify complex calculations and make it easier to understand and analyze data. It is also useful for making predictions and estimations.

2. How do you find an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$?

To find an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$, you can use methods such as rounding, truncation, or using significant figures. These methods involve simplifying the numbers and eliminating less significant digits to get a more manageable and approximate value.

3. What are the limitations of using approximations for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$?

The main limitation of using approximations for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$ is that it may introduce errors in calculations and lead to inaccurate results. It is also important to note that approximations cannot account for all factors and may not be suitable for all situations.

4. Can finding an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$ be applied in any scientific field?

Yes, finding an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$ can be applied in various scientific fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, and economics. It is a commonly used technique to simplify complex equations and make them more manageable for analysis and interpretation.

5. Are there any alternative methods to finding an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$?

Yes, besides rounding, truncation, and using significant figures, there are other methods that can be used to find an approximation for X in m^2 $\gg$ $\mu^2$. These include using statistical models, regression analysis, and interpolation. The choice of method depends on the data and the level of accuracy required.

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