Form factor - spherically symmetric

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the form factor, F(q), in the context of a spherically symmetric charge distribution, specifically modeling the proton as a uniform spherical charge distribution of radius R. Participants are exploring the mathematical formulation and implications of the Fourier transform of the charge distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the expression for the charge distribution, p(r), and its relation to Coulomb's law. There are attempts to evaluate the integral for F(q) using different forms of p(r). Questions arise regarding the normalization of the charge distribution and the implications of omitting certain constants in the calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of the mathematical expressions involved, with some participants providing insights into the normalization of the charge distribution. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered, particularly regarding the role of the charge e in the limit where qR/ħ is much less than 1.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing the definition of normalized charge distribution and its implications for the calculations. There is a mention of a resource that clarifies the normalization process, suggesting that it may involve dividing by the total charge.

Max Eilerson
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1) Use the fact that the form factor, F(q), is the Fourier transform of the normalised charge distribution p(r), which in the spherically symmetric case gives
,

[tex]F(q) = \int \frac{4\pi\hbar r}{q}p(r)sin(\frac{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.

This just means I can use coulomb's law as an expression for p(r). [tex]p(r) = \frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon_0R}[/tex] ?
 
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Max Eilerson said:
1) Use the fact that the form factor, F(q), is the Fourier transform of the normalised charge distribution p(r), which in the spherically symmetric case gives
,

[tex]F(q) = \int \frac{4\pi\hbar r}{q}p(r)sin(\frac{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.

This just means I can use coulomb's law as an expression for p(r). [tex]p(r) = \frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon_0R}[/tex] ?
I take this to mean

[tex]\rho(r) = \frac{q}{V} = \frac{3q}{4 \pi R^3}[/tex] for r < R and zero elsewhere.
 
Thanks :). That's is what I was thinking after I posted. Don't see many [tex]\epsilon_0[/tex] floating around in these things.
 
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Max Eilerson said:
This just means I can use coulomb's law as an expression for p(r). [tex]p(r) = \frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon_0R}[/tex] ?
You know it has nothing to do with Coulomb's law.
 
So I evaulated the integral with [tex]\rho(r) = \frac{3e}{4 \pi R^3}[/tex]
q = momentum transfer, e = proton charge.

[tex] \frac{3e\hbar^2(\hbar\sin[\frac{qr}{\hbar}] - qr\cos[\frac{qr}{\hbar}])}{q^3 R^3} + C[/tex]
Evaluated between R and 0, (F(q) = 0 between R and infinity since p(r) = 0.)


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

It asks me to show that for [tex]\fracq{qR}{\hbar} << 1[/tex] the form factor reduces to 1, I'm not seeing how the charge e can disappear here
 
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Max Eilerson said:
So I evaulated the integral with [tex]\rho(r) = \frac{3e}{4 \pi R^3}[/tex]
q = momentum transfer, e = proton charge.

[tex] \frac{3e\hbar^2(\hbar\sin[\frac{qr}{\hbar}] - qr\cos[\frac{qr}{\hbar}])}{q^3 R^3} + C[/tex]
Evaluated between R and 0, (F(q) = 0 between R and infinity since p(r) = 0.)


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

It asks me to show that for [tex]\fracq{qR}{\hbar} << 1[/tex] the form factor reduces to 1, I'm not seeing how the charge e can disappear here

What does normalised charge distribution mean?

I wonder if that means you should be dividing by a factor something like

[tex]\int \rho(r) dr[/tex]

which would remove the quantity of charge from the calculation
 
OlderDan said:
What does normalised charge distribution mean?

I wonder if that means you should be dividing by a factor something like

[tex]\int \rho(r) dr[/tex]

which would remove the quantity of charge from the calculation


[tex]1 = \int \rho(r) d^3r[/tex]
 
Max Eilerson said:
[tex]1 = \int \rho(r) d^3r[/tex]

I like that even better. I even wrote my integral that way at first and changed it because yours just had the r integral.
 

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