Yukawa potential and the Klein Gordon

Part (b)The Yukawa potential is a valid static-field equation, as shown by the derived solutions in parts (a) and (b). The wavefunction for a particle with mass m and charge e is given by phi = e/r. This means that the particle's mass and charge must be related to the distance r from the source of the potential. In part (b), it is shown that the particle must be on the mass shell, meaning that it must be an external particle and not an internal (virtual) particle. This has important physical implications for the behavior of particles in a Yukawa potential.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



a)Show that the yukawa potential is a valid static-field euation
b)Show this solution also works

kleingordon1.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Part (a)

Using the relation given, I got

[tex]LHS = \frac{e^{-\mu r}}{r} \left[ (m^2 - \mu^2) - \frac{2\mu}{r} - \frac{2}{r^2} \right] [/tex]

So for LHS = RHS = 0, it means that ##m = \mu = -\frac{1}{r}##, so the wavefunction is ##\phi = \frac{e}{r}##.

What does this mean?

Part (b)

Using the relation given, I got

[tex] LHS = \left( E^2 - p^2 - m^2 \right)\phi [/tex]

For LHS = RHS = 0, it means that ## E^2 - p^2 = m^2##.

Does this mean that the particle must be on the mass shell? i.e. an external particle and not an internal (virtual) particle?What are the physical interpretations of these?
 
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  • #2

1. What is the Yukawa potential?

The Yukawa potential is a mathematical function used to describe the attractive or repulsive force between two particles. It was developed by Japanese physicist Hideki Yukawa in the 1930s to explain the strong nuclear force between protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.

2. How is the Yukawa potential related to the Klein Gordon equation?

The Klein Gordon equation, developed by physicist Oskar Klein and mathematician Walter Gordon, is a relativistic wave equation that describes the behavior of spinless particles. The Yukawa potential is a solution to the Klein Gordon equation and is used to calculate the force between two particles at a given distance.

3. What is the significance of the Yukawa potential in particle physics?

The Yukawa potential is significant in particle physics because it explains the strong nuclear force, which holds the nucleus of an atom together. It also plays a role in the theory of quantum field theory and the Standard Model of particle physics.

4. What are the limitations of the Yukawa potential?

The Yukawa potential has limitations in its applicability, as it is only valid at short distances. It also does not account for the effects of quantum mechanics, which are important at very small distances. Additionally, it does not take into account the interactions between more than two particles.

5. How is the Yukawa potential used in practical applications?

The Yukawa potential has practical applications in nuclear and particle physics research, as well as in the design of nuclear reactors and particle accelerators. It is also used in the study of the strong force and the properties of subatomic particles. In addition, the Yukawa potential has been applied in fields such as astrophysics to understand the behavior of dense objects like neutron stars.

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