Scalar Definition and 777 Threads

  1. ChrisVer

    Scalar Propagator form with width

    I would like to ask when can someone add the width in a scalar particle's propagator. In general the scalar propagator can be: \frac{1}{k^{2}-m^{2}+i \epsilon} (\epsilon \rightarrow 0) However I read somewhere that if necessary one can include a width for the propagator...
  2. I

    Phyiscal consequences of a neutral massive scalar particle

    Let's add a simple uncharged massive particle to, say, the standard model of particle physics. The question is about the physical, observable consequences of this modification. The first question is if the following considerations are correct, and if not what is wrong. From a classical...
  3. Greg Bernhardt

    What are the differences between scalar and vector flux in electromagnetism?

    [SIZE="4"]Definition/Summary Flux sometimes means total flow through a surface (a scalar), and sometimes means flow per unit area (a vector). In electromagnetism, flux always means total flow through a surface (a scalar), and is measured in webers (magnetic flux) or volt-metres (electric...
  4. A

    Poynting vector and intensity in scalar diffraction theory

    The power density of an electromagnetic wave is proportional to the absolute square of the electric field |E|^2 (assuming a plane wave). Here, E is a vector so the absolute square involves all three of Ex, Ey, and Ez. In homogeneous, linear media, it's easy to show that each component of E...
  5. V

    Derivative of scalar triple product

    Homework Statement If u(t) = σ(t) . [σ'(t) x σ''(t)], show that u'(t) = σ(t) . [σ'(t) x σ'''(t)]. Homework Equations The rules for differentiating dot products and cross products, respectively, are: d/dt f(t) . g(t) = f'(t) . g(t) + f(t) . g'(t) d/dt f(t) x g(t) = f'(t) x g(t) +...
  6. ChrisVer

    Scalar field in Expanding Universe EOM

    I would like to ask something. How is the solution of EOM for the action (for FRW metric): S= \int d^{4}x \sqrt{-g} [ (\partial _{\mu} \phi)^{2} - V(\phi) ] give solution of: \ddot{\phi} + 3H \dot{\phi} + V'(\phi) =0 I don't in fact understand how the 2nd term appears... it...
  7. B

    Finding the electric and magnetic fields from a scalar potential?

    E = - grad*phi - 1/c (dA/dt). phi is the scalar potential, and is given. How do I calculate the vector potential = A ? Is it A = (v/c) * phi ? If it is, then where is this equation coming from? Thank you.
  8. J

    Understanding Scalar Fields: Tools for Studying Vector Field Behavior

    After watch this video , I understood that for study the behavior of the vector field, just use 2 tools, the line integral and the surface integral, and actually too, the divergence and the curl. In accordance with this, the maxwell's equations are justly the line integral, the surface integral...
  9. J

    'Constant' vector field is equivalent to some scalar field

    To every scalar field s(x,y) there corresponds a 'constant' vector field x = A s(x,y) and y = B s(x,y), where A,B are direction cosines. The vector field is only partially constant since only the directions, and not the magnitudes, which are equal to |f(x,y)|, of the field vectors are constant...
  10. xortdsc

    How to compute the energy of scalar wave equation

    Hi, considering the scalar wave equation $$ { \partial^2 u \over \partial t^2 } = c^2 \nabla^2 u $$ (where ∇^2 is the (spatial) Laplacian and where c is a fixed constant) how can I derive the potential and kinetic energy for a given state u and u' ? Thanks and cheers
  11. I

    Sketching the Level Surface of a Scalar Field

    Question: For the scalar field \Phi = x^{2} + y^{2} - z^{2} -1, sketch the level surface \Phi = 0 . (It's advised that in order to sketch the surface, \Phi should be written in cylindrical polar coordinates, and then to use \Phi = 0 to find z as a function of the radial coordinate \rho)...
  12. I

    Vector Calculus - Laplacian on Scalar Field

    A scalar field \psi is dependent only on the distance r = \sqrt{x^{2} + y^{2} + z^{2}} from the origin. Show: \partial_{x}^{2}\psi = \left(\frac{1}{r} - \frac{x^{2}}{r^{3}}\right)\frac{d\psi}{dr} + \frac{x^{2}}{r^{2}}\frac{d^{2}\psi}{dr^{2}} I've used the chain and product rules so...
  13. S

    Find Value of α for Scalar Product a\cdotb = 0 & Explain Phys. Significance

    Vectors a and b correspond to the vectors from the origin to the points A with co-ordinates (3,4,0) and B with co-ordinates (α,4, 2) respectively. Find a value of α that makes the scalar product a\cdotb equal to zero, and explain the physical significance. My attempt: The scalar product...
  14. A

    Calculating Beta Function for Scalar QCD Theory

    Hi all, I am currently trying to calculate the beta function for scalar QCD theory (one loop for general su(n)). I therefore need to calculate the Feynman rules in order to apply them to the one loop diagrams. Unfortunately I am getting very confused with what the Lagrangian for scalar QCD...
  15. J

    Can Scalar Fields Be Decomposed into Symmetric and Antisymmetric Parts?

    If a vector field can be decomposed how a sum of a conservative + solenoidal + harmonic field... so, BTW, a scalar field can be decomposed in anothers scalar fields too?
  16. J

    Curl in 2D is a vector or a scalar?

    Vector, by definition, have 2 or 3 scalar components (generally), but the curl of a vector field f(x,y) in 2D have only one scalar component: \left ( \frac{\partial f_y}{\partial x} -\frac{\partial f_x}{\partial y} \right )dxdy So, the Curl of a vector field in 2D is a vector or a scalar?
  17. V

    Energy scale of Hubble constant for dark energy scalar field

    Hello All, In Carroll's there is a brief introduction to a dynamical dark energy in which the equation of motion for slowly rolling scalar field is discussed. Then to give an idea about the mass scale of this field it is compared to the Hubble constant, saying that it has an energy of...
  18. P

    Chapter 21 Ray D'Inverno Scalar Optics, congruence of null geodesics

    First of all this is my first thread, so I apologize for any mistake. Perhaps this is a stupid question, but i need some help in exercise 21.10 of D'Inverno, to write down geodesic equation for l^a, which is a vector tangent to a congruence of null geodesics and then by a rescaling of l^a...
  19. S

    Finding the instantaneous velocity of a scalar function?

    Homework Statement Find the instantaneous velocity of f(x, y, z) = xyz, at (1, 2, 1) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think this problem our proffesor gave us wasn't formulated correctly. The only time when we calculated instantaneous velocity was when we had a...
  20. B

    Can dyons be broken down into scalar and pseudoscalar components?

    If an electrically charged particle is a scalar, and a magnetically charged particle is a pseudoscalar, then what is a dyon (having both types of charge), a "mixed-type" scalar? Are there "scalar-like" quantities that can be decomposed into a scalar part and a pseudoscalar part?
  21. N

    Closed under addition and closed under scalar

    Could someone explain to me about what closed under addition and closed under scalar multiplication means? I have a patchy idea of what it is but how does it relates to A = {(x,y) | x^2 + y^2 <= 1}? What does A stands for? What does the language implies? Edit: My interpretation: Let's...
  22. S

    Scalar Triple Product Derivative

    Homework Statement Find an expression equivalent for the derivative of the scalar triple product a(t) . (b(t) x c(t))The Attempt at a Solution Initially I figured since whatever comes out of B X C is being dotted with A, I can use the derivative rules of a dot product: (a(t)' . (b(t) x...
  23. T

    Force can be represented by a scalar?

    Homework Statement True or.false Force can be represented by a scalar? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I say false is this correct?
  24. T

    Is Scalar Addition Equivalent to Adding Parallel Vectors?

    Homework Statement T/F: The addition of two scalars is equivalent to the addition of parallel vectors. Select one: a. False b. True Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution i said true reason being the magnitude of vectors can be added if they are in the same direction by...
  25. S

    Fortran FORTRAN error array bound is not scalar integer

    FORTRAN error "array bound is not scalar integer" I'd like to know if a loop can be created, inside which I can call a subroutine in which there are arrays to be defined whose size varies as a function of loop variable. I tried as following, but got error "array bound is not scalar integer"...
  26. T

    Non-canonical terms of scalar fields

    Hello! Well, I guess it's all in the title, really. I was reading about k-essence, and it was described as a scalar field having a non-canonical kinetic term. I did a bit of browsing and couldn't find a clear explanation of what, exactly, a non-canonical kinetic term is. Any help would be...
  27. E

    Can the Vector Scalar Product Equation be Solved for x Using Cross Product?

    I have been asked to solve the equation for x - All letters bar λ are vectors. λx + (a cross x) = b I have worked it down as far as x.(λb + (b cross a)) = |b|^2 by taking the dot product with b of both sides. But is there any way I can now solve this equation for x?
  28. M

    Scalar in adjoint representation

    Hello, people. I'm studying (as an exercise) the breaking of an SU(3) gauge group to SU(2) x U(1) via a Higgs mechanism. The scalar responsible for the breaking is \Phi, who transforms under the adjoint representation of SU(3) (an octet). First of all I want to construct the most general...
  29. andrewkirk

    Intuitive description of what the Ricci tensor & scalar represent?

    Is there a simple intuitive description of what the Ricci tensor and scalar represent? I have what seems to me a straightforward understanding of what the Riemann tensor Rabcd represents, as follows. If you parallel transport a vector b around a tiny rectangle, the sides of which are determined...
  30. J

    Scalar, vector and tensor calculus

    I noticed that sometimes exist a parallel between scalar and vector calculus, for example: ##v=at+v_0## ##s=\int v dt = \frac{1}{2}at^2 + v_0 t + s_0## in terms of vector calculus ##\vec{v}=\vec{a}t+\vec{v}_0## ##\vec{s}=\int \vec{v} dt = \frac{1}{2}\vec{a}t^2 + \vec{v}_0 t + \vec{s}_0##...
  31. junfan02

    Transformations that are scalar invariant

    I am a bit confused about something! Exactly under what kind of transformations are scalars invariant in the domain of classical mechanics? The fact which is disturbing me is, say we have a moving body of certain kinetic energy in a certain inertial frame of ref, and then we choose to.observe...
  32. I

    Correct my simple error (property of scalar multiplication)

    say i have some vector ##\vec{v}## multiplied by a scalar k. the norm of ##\vec{v}## would be just ##||\vec{v}||## and the norm of ##k\vec{v}## is claimed to be ##|k|||\vec{v}||## ie, ##||k\vec{v}||=|k|||\vec{v}||## ie the sign of the constant is irrelevant. when i work it out...
  33. J

    Point particle in scalar potential

    What happens to a particle in a scalar potential U(t,x)? I have been living under a belief that the equation of motion would be \frac{d}{dt}\frac{m\dot{x}(t)}{\sqrt{1- \frac{\|\dot{x}(t)\|^2}{c^2}}} = -\nabla_x U(t,x(t)) but I just proved that this isn't Lorentz invariant, and therefore...
  34. K

    Is scalar in adjoint representation always real

    This is a short question. I don't know why, but somehow I have the impression that scalar in adjoint representation should be real. Now I highly doubt this statement, but I have no idea how to disprove it. Can anyone give me a clear no? Thanks,
  35. N

    Magnetic scalar and vector potential

    Mathematically, Scalar V_m Magnetic Potential is given by \overline{H}=∇V_m and Vector Magnetic Potential \overline{A} is given by \overline{B}=\overline{∇}X\overline{A} Is there any way I can explain it or define it in words?
  36. N

    What is the Lagrangian of interaction of photon and spin zero scalar?

    What is the Lagrangian of interaction of photon and spin zero charge scalar?The vertex of photon and spin 1/2 charge fermion is proportional with e multiplied vertor gamma matrix,but I do not know what is the vertex of photon and charge scalar.I hear that a vertex is proportional with polynomial...
  37. D

    Question on derivatives of Hermitian conjugate scalar fields

    Hi, I know this question may seem a little trivial, but is there any real difference between \left (\partial_{\mu} \phi \right)^{\dagger} and \partial_{\mu} \phi^{\dagger} and if so, could someone provide an explanation? Many thanks. (Sorry if this isn't quite in the right...
  38. K

    The interpretation of noether currents in scalar QED

    In scalar QED, there are two noether currents ##J_{global}## and ##J_{local}##corresponding to the global and local gauge transformations respectively. In QED, the two currents are exactly the same. But in scalar QED, they are totally different. $$J_{global}^\mu=i e (\phi^\dagger...
  39. PsychonautQQ

    Scalar Surface Integral over parameterized surface

    Homework Statement Calculate ∫∫ f(x,y,z)dS for the surface G(r,θ) = (rcosθ,rsinθ,θ), 0<r<1, 0<θ<2pi. f(x,y,z) = (x^2+y^2)^(1/2) = r Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution so the surface is given so I have to find the normal vector... G_r = cos(θ),sinθ,0 G_θ =...
  40. D

    Is it a scalar product? I'm kind of lost

    The Vector A points 17° counterclockwise from the positive x axis. Vector B lues in the first cuadrant of the xy plane. The magnitudes of the cross product and the dot product are the same: i.e, |AXB|= |A(times)B| What Angle does B make with the positive x axis? 2. Is ti a scalar...
  41. H

    Math Methods: help with scalar product properties.

    Homework Statement For what values of k is (scalar product of vectors a and b) = a_{1}b_{1}-a_{1}b_{2}-a_{2}b_{1}+ka_{2}b_{2} a valid scalar product? The vectors a and b are defined as: a = a_{1}e_{1} + a_{2}e_{2} b = b_{1}e_{1} + b_{2}e_{2} where e_{1} and e_{2} are unit vectors...
  42. P

    Explicit form of scalar propagator

    Hi! I have encountered a little problem. I want to show that the explicit form of the Feynman propagator for massless scalar fields is given by: \begin{align} G_F(x) & = - \lim_{\epsilon \to +0} \int \dfrac{\mathrm{d}^{4}k}{(2 \pi)^{4}} \dfrac{1}{k^{2} + i \epsilon} \mathrm{e}^{- i k...
  43. O

    Why is Energy a Scalar? A Simple Explanation

    I am having trouble understanding why energy is a scalar. (1/2 mv^2, mgh, 1/2kx^2, etc). Can someone just briefly hit over why? I tried asking a few people but I still don't get it. Thanks.
  44. B

    Evaluating Scalar Field in Spherical Coordinates

    Homework Statement Evaluate the scalar field ##f(r, \theta, \phi)= \mid 2\hat{r}+3\hat{\phi} \mid## in spherical coords. Homework Equations Law of Cosines? ##\mid \vec{A} + \vec{B} \mid = \sqrt{A^2+B^2+2ABCos(\theta)}## The Attempt at a Solution I'm not sure the law of cosines...
  45. Ace10

    Complex scalar field propagator evaluation.

    Good afternoon fellow scientists,i have a small problem in evaluating the propagator for the complex Klein-Gordon field. Although the procedure is the one followed for the computation of the propagator of the real K-G field, a problem comes up: As known: <0|T\varphi^{+}(x)\varphi(y)|0> =...
  46. F

    MHB Defining Real-Valued Scalar Product in Vector Spaces

    Hi, can somebody help me with the problem: Suppose that in a vector space over field of real numbers a positive defined norm is defined for each vector which satisfies the triangle inequality and ||aU||=|a|*||u||. Show that a real valued scalar product can de defined as follows...
  47. P

    What is the equation for the amplitude of scalar perturbations ?

    What is the "equation for the amplitude of scalar perturbations"? I am studying inflation now, and in a book I read "equation for the amplitude of scalar perturbations", in the paper the author does not explain what is it, could anyone give some detail on this equation or any reference? Thanks...
  48. P

    Scalar product used for length?

    I got asked how the scalar product can be used to find the length of a vector? Could someone please explain
  49. S

    MHB Proving span of a Set with Scalar attached to First Element

    hi Guys, i Needed your help to prove out the following, thanks in advance; Let u1,u2,...,ut be vectors in $\Re^n$ and $k\in\Re ,k\neq0.$ Prove that $Span\{u_1,u_2,...,u_t\}=Span\{ku_1,u_2,...,u_t\}$
  50. F

    Tensor Notation for Triple Scalar Product Squared

    Homework Statement Hi all, Here's the problem: Prove, in tensor notation, that the triple scalar product of (A x B), (B x C), and (C x A), is equal to the square of the triple scalar product of A, B, and C. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I started by looking at the triple...
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