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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients related to the Delta(1232) particle, specifically how these coefficients are derived in the context of isospin and particle states involving pions and nucleons.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the isospin values of pions and nucleons, questioning how the coefficients of -√(1/3) and √(2/3) are determined. There is confusion regarding the total spin state and the application of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into isospin values and the structure of the states involved. There is an ongoing examination of the coefficients derived from the Clebsch-Gordan table, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the correct interpretation of the coefficients and the table itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the coefficients obtained from different sources, including textbooks and online references. There is mention of a disclaimer regarding negative values in the Wiki table, which may be relevant to the discussion.

stunner5000pt
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Homework Statement


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

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
[tex]\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>[/tex]

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 [itex]\Delta(1232)[/itex] particle
It says that
[tex]\left|\pi p;\frac{3}{2},\frac{3}{2}\right>=\left|\pi;1,1\right>|N;\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right>[/tex]

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
[tex]\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>[/tex]

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 [tex]I_z[/tex] is [tex]0, \pm 1[/tex] depending on which pion you are considering (the analogue of [tex]I_z[/tex] is [tex]m_l[/tex]). The isospin of a nucleon (proton or neutron) is I=1/2. [tex]I_z[/tex] is [tex]\pm 1/2[/tex] 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 [tex]I_z[/tex] is [tex]0, \pm 1[/tex] depending on which pion you are considering (the analogue of [tex]I_z[/tex] is [tex]m_l[/tex]). The isospin of a nucleon (proton or neutron) is I=1/2. [tex]I_z[/tex] is [tex]\pm 1/2[/tex] 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

[tex] \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>[/tex]
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

[tex] \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>[/tex]
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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