How are Clebsch-Gordan coefficients derived for the Delta(1232) particle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients for the Delta(1232) particle, specifically the state representation \left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right>=-\sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}\left|\pi^+ n\right>+\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}\left|\pi^0 p\right>. The isospin values are clarified, with pions having I=1 and nucleons having I=1/2. The coefficients are derived from the Clebsch-Gordan table, which combines angular momentum states, and the confusion regarding the signs of coefficients is addressed, emphasizing the importance of correctly interpreting the table.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients
  • Familiarity with isospin and angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of the Delta(1232) particle and its decay modes
  • Ability to interpret quantum state notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients in Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics"
  • Learn how to apply ladder operators in quantum mechanics
  • Research the properties of the Delta(1232) particle and its role in particle physics
  • Examine the implications of isospin in particle interactions
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying particle physics, angular momentum coupling, and the properties of baryons and mesons.

stunner5000pt
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Homework Statement


My textbook takes a look at the \Delta(1232) particle
It says that
\left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{3}{2}\right>=\left|\pi;1,1\right>|N;\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right>

where N stands for a nucleon and pi could be any of the three flavours of pion.
They then go on by applying ladder operators (not explicitly, this is not at that level yet) to give
\left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{3}{2}\right>=-\sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}\left|\pi^+ n\right>+\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}\left|\pi^0 p\right>

My question is how they came up with that

Homework Equations


Clebsch Gordon coefficients
For now use the wikipedia source but if you can suggest a better source please suggest it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_Clebsch-Gordan_coefficients

The Attempt at a Solution


Is the isospin of the pi+ is 1 and the isospin of the proton is 1/2?

in either case how did they come up with the coefficients of -root 1/3 and root 2/3??
the two spin values are j=1 and j=1/2. so we see two possiblities,
first is m=3/2
why is this possibility rejected?

the other possibility is where m=1/2
there are two possible j values. Look at the m1 values i could tell which woul the pi+/-/0 possibility. But the only way i would know if there was a neutron or proton would be to deduce it from the pion's spin and charge? Is that correct?

Also while reading the CG coefficients, is the j,m of the decaying particle, and then j1, and j2 of the products?

Thank you for all your help and advice!
 
Last edited:
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stunner5000pt said:

Homework Statement


My textbook takes a look at the \Delta(1232) particle
It says that
\left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{3}{2}\right>=\left|\pi;1,1\right>|N;\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right>

where N stands for a nucleon and pi could be any of the three flavours of pion.
They then go on by applying ladder operators (not explicitly, this is not at that level yet) to give
\left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{3}{2}\right>=-\sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}\left|\pi^+ n\right>+\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}\left|\pi^0 p\right>

My question is how they came up with that

Homework Equations


Clebsch Gordon coefficients
For now use the wikipedia source but if you can suggest a better source please suggest it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_Clebsch-Gordan_coefficients

The Attempt at a Solution


Is the isospin of the pi+ is 1 and the isospin of the proton is 1/2?
Yes. To be more precise, the value of I for any of the pions is 1 (I is the analogue of l for orbital angular momentum). The value of I_z is 0, \pm 1 depending on which pion you are considering (the analogue of I_z is m_l). The isospin of a nucleon (proton or neutron) is I=1/2. I_z is \pm 1/2 depending on whether you are considering the neutron or the proton.
in either case how did they come up with the coefficients of -root 1/3 and root 2/3??

I am confused. are you absolutely sure they wrote 3/2, 3/2 for the total state? For that state the CG table does not give the coefficient you give. Are you sure it's not 3/2,1/2 or 1/2,1/2?
 
nrqed said:
Yes. To be more precise, the value of I for any of the pions is 1 (I is the analogue of l for orbital angular momentum). The value of I_z is 0, \pm 1 depending on which pion you are considering (the analogue of I_z is m_l). The isospin of a nucleon (proton or neutron) is I=1/2. I_z is \pm 1/2 depending on whether you are considering the neutron or the proton.I am confused. are you absolutely sure they wrote 3/2, 3/2 for the total state? For that state the CG table does not give the coefficient you give. Are you sure it's not 3/2,1/2 or 1/2,1/2?

Yes it is my mistake they had 3/2 1/2

<br /> \left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right&gt;=-\sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}\left|\pi^+ n\right&gt;+\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}\left|\pi^0 p\right&gt;<br />
How did they come up with the coefficients then

I don't know how to read the table...

since spin is 3/2 and 1/2 the CG coeffs should be 1/2 or root3/4 but none of those appear??
 
Last edited:
stunner5000pt said:
Yes it is my mistake they had 3/2 1/2

<br /> \left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right&gt;=-\sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}\left|\pi^+ n\right&gt;+\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}\left|\pi^0 p\right&gt;<br />
How did they come up with the coefficients then

I don't know how to read the table...

I use a table in Griffiths' book and I get different coefficients: I get both coefficients to be positive.

In any case, just look at the table for combining 1/2 and 1. Now look at the state 3/2 1/2 You find

|3/2, 1/2 > = srqt(1/3) |1,1> |1/2,-1/2> + sqrt(2/3) |1,0> |1/2,1/2>

|1,1> is a pi+
|1,0> is a pi^0
|1/2,1/2> is a proton
|1/2,-1/2> is a neutron
 
The Wiki table has a disclaimer about negative values, I think... read the fine print and it might apply to this situation.
 

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