Finding F(q) for a Uniform Spherical Charge Model of the Proton

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the form factor F(q) for a uniform spherical charge model of the proton using the Fourier transform of the normalized charge distribution ρ(r). The initial expression for F(q) is simplified by taking the charge density outside the integral, leading to F(q) = (4πħρ/q)∫₀ᴿ r sin(qr/ħ) dr. The user initially miscalculated the limit approximation, resulting in F(q) = 0, but later corrected this by applying second-order approximations for sin and cos, successfully demonstrating that F(q) approaches 1 as qR/ħ approaches 0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier transforms in physics
  • Knowledge of spherical coordinates and charge distributions
  • Familiarity with Taylor series expansions for trigonometric functions
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics, particularly related to form factors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Fourier transforms in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about charge density normalization techniques
  • Explore the implications of form factors in particle physics
  • Investigate higher-order approximations for trigonometric functions
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, particularly those specializing in particle physics and quantum mechanics, as well as students studying charge distributions and form factors in theoretical frameworks.

jeebs
Messages
314
Reaction score
5
Here is the problem:

Use the fact that the form factor, F(q), is the Fourier transform of the normalised charge
distribution [tex]\rho[/tex](r), which in the spherically symmetric case gives

[tex]F(q) = \int \frac{4\pi \hbar r}{q}\rho(r) sin(qr/\hbar))dr[/tex]

to find an expression for F(q) for a simple model of the proton considered as a uniform
spherical charge distribution of radius R.

Using your calculated expression for F(q), demonstrate that in the limit
[tex]\frac{qR}{\hbar} << 1[/tex]
the form factor reduces to 1.

So, what I have tried so far:

I said that for 0 < r < R, the charge density is constant, and could be taken outside the integral along with the other constants, leaving me with

[tex]F(q) = \frac{4\pi \hbar \rho}{q}\int^R_0 r.sin(qr/\hbar)dr[/tex]

which when I integrate by parts leads to

[tex]F(q) = \frac{4\pi \hbar^3 \rho}{q^3}sin(qR/\hbar) - \frac{4\pi \hbar^2 \rho R}{q^2}cos(qR/\hbar)[/tex]

I am certain that I have done the integration correctly.

Then I come to the part where I make the approximation that [tex]\frac{qR}{\hbar} << 1[/tex] and this happens:
[tex]sin(qR/\hbar) \approx qR/\hbar[/tex]

and

[tex]cos(qR/\hbar) \approx 1[/tex]

which gives me

[tex]F(q) = \frac{4\pi \hbar^2 \rho R}{q^2} - \frac{4\pi \hbar^2 \rho R}{q^2} = 0[/tex]

but I am supposed to be getting F(q) = 1 when I make this approximation.

What am I doing wrong here? My only thought was that the question mentions something about normalization, and I thought that may have something to do with something, but I couln't think what. Any suggestions?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I used a charge density of e/volume (3 e /4 pi R^3) integrated over all space in spherical polars & normalised it then put it in the equation. It basically just got rid of the e

But i still get 0 for the 2nd bit!
edit: Hooray, i get 1 using 2nd order approximations for sin & cos
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K