Imaginary sinusoidal exponential

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical relationship involving complex exponentials and trigonometric functions, specifically examining the expression involving ##e^{ikr\cos \theta}## and its equivalence to other forms. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of the Euler formula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to validate the expression ##e^{ikr\text{cos}\ \theta}=\frac{\text{sin}\ \theta}{kr}##.
  • Another participant argues that the left side is complex while the right side is real, suggesting the initial expression cannot be true.
  • A participant corrects a previous typo and proposes a different expression: ##\text{exp}({ikr\text{cos}\ \theta}) = \frac{\text{exp}(ikr)-\text{exp}(-ikr)}{2ikr}##.
  • Several participants reference the Euler formula, noting it as ##e^{i\phi}= \text{cos}\ \phi + i\text{sin}\ \phi##, and express confusion regarding the equivalence to ##\frac{\text{sin}(kr)}{kr}##.
  • A participant cites a source, Matthew Schwartz's 'Introduction to Quantum Field Theory,' and requests clarification on their previous posts.
  • Another participant provides an integral calculation related to the expression, leading to the function ##\frac{\sin kr}{k}## being discussed as an even function.
  • A participant expresses frustration and embarrassment after engaging in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the validity of the initial expressions and the relationships between the complex exponential and trigonometric functions. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the correctness of the proposed equations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including potential missing assumptions and unresolved mathematical steps related to the equivalences being examined.

spaghetti3451
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I need to convince myself that

##e^{ikr\text{cos}\ \theta}=\frac{\text{sin}\ \theta}{kr}##.

Could you please help me with it?
 
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Cannot be true, the left side is complex whereas the right side is real.
 
Sorry, there was a typo.

How about this one:

##\text{exp}({ikr\text{cos}\ \theta}) = \frac{\text{exp}(ikr)-\text{exp}(-ikr)}{2ikr}##?
 
What do you know about the Euler formula for a complex exponential ##e^{i\phi}##?
 
The Euler formula is ##e^{i\phi}= \text{cos}\ \phi + \text{sin}\ \phi##.

I don't see how ##\text{exp}(ikr\text{cos}\ \theta) = \frac{\text{sin}(kr)}{kr}##.
 
failexam said:
The Euler formula is ##e^{i\phi}= \text{cos}\ \phi + \text{sin}\ \phi##.
It's ##e^{i\phi}= \text{cos}\ \phi + i\text{sin}\ \phi##.
failexam said:
I don't see how ##\text{exp}(ikr\text{cos}\ \theta) = \frac{\text{sin}(kr)}{kr}##.
Indeed, I too, do not see how that can be true.
 
The following is taken from page 39 of Matthew Schwartz's 'Introduction to Quantum Field Theory.' My above posts refer to the third and fourth lines of the following calculation:

Capture.jpg
a

Would you please have a look and let me know what I'm missing in the previous posts?
 
$$\int_{-1}^1 d(\cos \theta) e^{ikr\cos \theta} = \frac{1}{ikr}e^{ikr\cos \theta}\Big|_{-1}^1 = \frac{e^{ikr}-e^{-ikr}}{ikr}$$
Then in the third line you have ##\frac{\sin kr}{k}## as the integrand to be integrated from 0 to infiinity. The function ##\frac{\sin kr}{k}## is an even function, thus
$$
\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin kr}{k} \, dk = \frac{1}{2} \int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{\sin kr}{k} \, dk
$$
 
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Thanks! I feel like a total idiot now! :frown:
 

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