Help with derivation of two-body relativistic cross section

charlesmartin14
Messages
13
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


I am trying to derive the 2 body cross section, as given in
https://web2.ph.utexas.edu/~schwitte/PHY362L/QMnote.pdf

dσ/dΩ

Homework Equations



I am stuck on

d√s/dp=v

where

√s=(Ea+Eb)=E

The Attempt at a Solution



p=Ev (relativisitic energy-momentum relationship)
√s=E

E=Ec+Ed=p/vc + p/vd

pc = pd = pf

d√s/dp = d(Ec+Ed)/dp = d(p/vc + p/vc)/dp=(1/vc + 1/vd)=(vc+vd)/(vc*vd)=vf/vc*vd

.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Did you have a specific question?
 
I am trying to derive the 2+2 body relativisitic cross section, as given in
https://web2.ph.utexas.edu/~schwitte/PHY362L/QMnote.pdf

a+b -> c+d

I want the form of the cross section

dσ/dΩ ~ 1/((v_i)(v_f))

I am stuck on step (13)-(14)
and I don't understand why d√s/dp_f=v_f

Here, s is the mandelstam variable √s=(Ec+Ed)=(Ea+Eb)
and p_f is the (amplitude) of the final (I assume 3 vector ) momentum
 
##\vec{p}_\text{f}## is the three-momentum of particle C.

Try differentiating ##-m_c^2 = p_c^2-E_c^2## to calculate ##dE_c/dp_c##. I think the problem with your attempt is that you're assuming ##dv_c/dp_c = 0## and ##dv_d/dp_c = 0##.
 
vela said:
##\vec{p}_\text{f}## is the three-momentum of particle C.

Try differentiating ##-m_c^2 = p_c^2-E_c^2## to calculate ##dE_c/dp_c##. I think the problem with your attempt is that you're assuming ##dv_c/dp_c = 0## and ##dv_d/dp_c = 0##.
 
Thanks ! That makes perfect sense. this is a great forum
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top