How Is the Integral from (3-22) to (3-23) Calculated in Quantum Mechanics?

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SUMMARY

The integral transition from equation (3-22) to (3-23) in quantum mechanics is calculated using spherical harmonics, specifically the constant nature of ##Y_{00}(\Omega_1)##. The calculation involves substituting equation (3-9) into the integral and applying the orthogonality of spherical harmonics. The final result is derived as ##J(r_1,r_2) = \frac{1}{r_1} - \frac{1}{r_2}##, confirming the relationship between the integrals involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical harmonics, particularly ##Y_{lm}## functions.
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts from "Intermediate Quantum Mechanics, 3rd Edition - Bethe, Jackiw".
  • Knowledge of integral calculus in multiple dimensions.
  • Experience with orthogonality principles in mathematical physics.
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  • Study the derivation of spherical harmonics in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of orthogonal functions in physics.
  • Explore the integral calculations in "Quantum Mechanics of One and Two Electron - Bethe, Salpeter".
  • Investigate advanced topics in quantum mechanics, such as perturbation theory and its relation to integrals.
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, physicists working with spherical harmonics, and anyone involved in advanced mathematical physics calculations.

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I don't understand how to get this result, can you help me? Thanks!!!
Capture.PNG


I don't get the step from (3-22) to (3-23), can you how this integral was calculated? Thanks!
Below there is a screenshoot of (3-9). Images are taken from "Intermediate Quantum Mechanics, 3rd Edition - Bethe, Jackiw".

Capture1.PNG
 
Last edited:
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What textbook is your excerpt from?
 
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PeterDonis said:
What textbook is your excerpt from?
"Intermediate Quantum Mechanics, 3rd Edition - Bethe, Jackiw"
And the same calculation in also in "Quantum Mechanics of One and Two Electron - Bethe, Salpeter", but no steps included.
 
Last edited:
I don't have the time at the moment to type it all out (and you should work through that yourself if you want to understand). But some hints:

1. Recognize ##Y_{00}(\Omega_1)=\text{constant}##, so ##Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1)=\text{constant}Y_{00}(\Omega_1)##
2. Substitute 3-9 into the integral and think about the integration over ##\Omega_1##, keeping the orthogonality of the spherical harmonics in mind.
 
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Hi! Your hints really helped me: I solved it, now it's clear!
If you wanna check up my calculation, here they are:

$$
r_1>r_2
$$

$$
\begin{aligned}

J(r_1,r_2) &= \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 (\frac{1}{r_{12}}-\frac{1}{r_2}) \\

&= \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \frac{1}{r_{12}} - \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \frac{1}{r_2} \\

&= \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \frac{1}{r_{12}} - \frac{1}{r_2} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \\

&= \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \frac{1}{r_{12}} - \frac{1}{r_2} \int d\Omega_1 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) \int d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \\

&= \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \frac{1}{r_{12}} - \frac{1}{r_2} \\

&= I(r_1,r_2) - \frac{1}{r_2} \\

\end{aligned}
$$

$$
\begin{aligned}

I(r_1,r_2) &= \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \frac{1}{r_{12}} \\

&= \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \frac{1}{r_1} \sum_{l=0}^{\infty} (\frac{r_2}{r_1})^l \frac{4\pi}{2l+1} \sum_{m=-l}^l Y_{lm}(\Omega_1) Y^*_{lm}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{4\pi}{2\sqrt{\pi}} \frac{1}{r_1} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y_{00}(\Omega_1) |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \sum_{l=0}^{\infty} (\frac{r_2}{r_1})^l \frac{1}{2l+1} \sum_{m=-l}^l Y_{lm}(\Omega_1) Y^*_{lm}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{2\sqrt{\pi}}{r_1} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \sum_{l=0}^{\infty} (\frac{r_2}{r_1})^l \frac{1}{2l+1} \sum_{m=-l}^l Y_{00}(\Omega_1) Y_{lm}(\Omega_1) Y^*_{lm}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{2\sqrt{\pi}}{r_1} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \sum_{l=0}^{\infty} (\frac{r_2}{r_1})^l \frac{1}{2l+1} \sum_{m=-l}^l Y^*_{00}(\Omega_1) Y_{lm}(\Omega_1) Y^*_{lm}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{2\sqrt{\pi}}{r_1} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} |Y_{lm}(\Omega_2)|^2 \sum_{l=0}^{\infty} (\frac{r_2}{r_1})^l \frac{1}{2l+1} \sum_{m=-l}^l Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) \delta_{0}^{l} \delta_{0}^{m} Y^*_{lm}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{2\sqrt{\pi}}{r_1} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} |Y_{00}(\Omega_2)|^2 (\frac{r_2}{r_1})^0 \frac{1}{2 \cdot 0+1} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) Y^*_{00}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{2\sqrt{\pi}}{r_1} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_2) Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) Y_{00}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{2\sqrt{\pi}}{r_1} \frac{1}{2\sqrt{\pi}} \int\int\ d\Omega_1 d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_2) Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) \\

&= \frac{1}{r_1} \int d\Omega_1 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_1) \int d\Omega_2 \hspace{5pt} Y^2_{00}(\Omega_2) \\

&= \frac{1}{r_1} \\

\end{aligned}
$$

$$
\begin{aligned}

J(r_1,r_2) &= I(r_1,r_2) - \frac{1}{r_2} \\

J(r_1,r_2) &= \frac{1}{r_1} - \frac{1}{r_2} \hspace{0.5cm} \blacksquare

\end{aligned}
$$

Thanks.

P.s.
I'm quite new to the forum, can you explain me how to mark the post as "Solved"?
Bye!
 
Last edited:
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jamal_lamaj said:
can you explain me how to mark the post as "Solved"?
There isn't a way to do that here. In general PF discussions aren't as simple to categorize as "Solved" vs. "Not Solved" so we don't have any such markings for them. Your post here saying you found the solution is sufficient.
 
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