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

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The discussion focuses on finding an approximation for the variable X in the context of the equation involving m^2 and μ^2, specifically under the condition that m^2 is much greater than μ^2. Participants explore the expansion of logarithmic terms and the simplification of expressions to avoid resulting in zero. The conversation emphasizes the importance of retaining certain terms in the expansion to accurately derive the approximation. Ultimately, the final expression for X is confirmed to be correct, with suggestions for further simplification of the denominator. The collaborative effort highlights the process of refining mathematical approximations in theoretical physics.
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Homework Statement



I need to find the approximation to:

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]

for m^2 \gg \mu^2.


Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



So obviously I can't just do m^2 \pm \mu^2 \approx m^2, 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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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:
Ah ok thanks, so would this be correct?:

<br /> X = m_N\&gt;\bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)}\&gt;\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2(1+x)} \bigg) - \frac{m^2(1-x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1-x)}\&gt;\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2(1-x)} \bigg) \bigg]<br />

Expanding the logs,

<br /> \simeq m_N\&gt;\bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)}\&gt;\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)}\&gt; \bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2} \bigg) + x \bigg] \bigg]<br />

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

<br /> \simeq m_N\&gt;m^2\&gt;\mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg)\&gt; \bigg[\frac{1}{m_N^2 - (m^2+\mu^2)} - \frac{1}{m_N^2 - (m^2 - \mu^2)} \bigg]<br />
 
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
 
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?:

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

<br /> \simeq m_N\&gt;\bigg[\frac{m^2(1+x)}{m_N^2 - m^2(1+x)}\&gt;\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)}\&gt; \bigg[ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2} \bigg) + x \bigg] \bigg] <br />

<br /> \simeq m_N\&gt;\bigg\{ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) \&gt; \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\}<br />

<br /> \simeq m_N\&gt;\bigg\{ \mathrm{ln} \bigg(\frac{m_N^2}{m^2}\bigg) \&gt; \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\}<br />

<br /> = 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\} \&gt; \bigg[\frac{1}{(m_N^2 - m^2(1+x))(m_N^2 - m^2(1-x))} \bigg]<br />

<br /> = 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\} \&gt; \bigg[\frac{1}{(m_N^2 - (m^2+\mu^2))(m_N^2 - (m^2-\mu^2))} \bigg]<br />
 
It looks correct. You can further simplify the denominator. It is

(m_N^2-m^2)^2-\mu^4,

and you can omit μ4 if mN2-m2>>μ2.

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

(m_N^2-m^2)^2-\mu^4,

and you can omit μ4 if mN2-m2>>μ2.

ehild

Awesome, thanks a lot! =D
 
ryanwilk said:
Awesome, thanks a lot! =D

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

ehild
 
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