How Do You Transition Between These Two Physics Equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition between two specific physics equations, particularly focusing on the manipulation of terms involving energy (E) and momentum (p) in the context of relativistic physics. Participants are exploring the mathematical steps required to derive one expression from another, with implications for massless particles and the Klein-Gordon equation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the calculation needed to transition between two equations involving delta functions and gamma factors.
  • Another participant questions whether the function E(p3) can be determined and suggests a manipulation involving E to derive a relationship that could simplify the transition.
  • A third participant proposes a condition for massless particles, indicating that setting p^2 = E^2 - |p|^2 = m^2 to zero leads to a specific relationship between energy and momentum.
  • A fourth participant provides a detailed derivation of the derivative dE/dp3, showing how it relates to momentum and energy, and suggests setting certain differentials to zero to simplify the expression.
  • A final participant expresses satisfaction with the clarification provided, indicating that the explanation resolved their confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants demonstrate a mix of agreement and uncertainty. While some calculations and relationships are clarified, there remains some confusion regarding specific assumptions and conditions, particularly in the context of massless particles.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the mass of particles and the specific conditions under which the equations hold. The discussion does not resolve all mathematical steps or clarify the implications of setting certain variables to zero.

silverwhale
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Hello everybody!

Looking on solving equation 2.34 I am stuck at the fourth line. What is the calculation to do to go from:

[tex]\delta^{(3)} (p'- q') \gamma (1 + \beta \frac{dE}{dp_3})[/tex]

to

[tex]\delta^{(3)} (p'- q') \frac{\gamma}{E} (E + \beta p_3).[/tex]

Many thanks for your help!
 
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Can the function of E(p3) be determined?

I can see how you can mix in a E by multipying by E / E making the last factor become:

β E dE / dp3

hence the step implies E dE / dp3 = p3 which would work if E = p3
 
Well I had the same guess! :)

BUT, let's set p^2= E^2 -|p|^2=m^2 equal to 0 for a massless particle, which would be actually ok as we're looking at the KG eq, well then E^2= |p|^2. But then I should set p_1 = p_2 = 0.. that I don't understand..
 
[tex]E=(p_1^2+p_2^2+p_3^2+m^2)^{1/2}[/tex]
[tex]{dE\over dp_3}={1\over2}(p_1^2+p_2^2+p_3^2+m^2)^{-1/2}(2p_3)={p_3\over E}[/tex]
Faster:
[tex]E^2=p_1^2+p_2^2+p_3^2+m^2[/tex]
[tex]E\,dE = p_1\,dp_1 + p_2\,dp_2 + p_3\,dp_3[/tex]
Set [itex]dp_1=dp_2=0[/itex], and rearrange to get
[tex]{dE\over dp_3}={p_3\over E}[/tex]
 
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Got it! It's that easy...

Many many Thanks! :)
 
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