Is cross section is proportional

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the proportionality of cross sections in physics, specifically whether a cross section proportional to a complex expression implies proportionality to a simpler form. It concludes that the initial expression does not imply direct proportionality to 1/sin^4(x) unless a specific condition (m=0) is met. The conversation also touches on scattering cross sections and their relationship to angular dependence, referencing the Rutherford formula. The participants explore the implications of substituting variables and the significance of context in understanding these relationships. Ultimately, the resolution hinges on recognizing that m=0 simplifies the analysis significantly.
alfredbester
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If I show something that a cross section is proportional to:

1 / (16p^2 sin^4( x) + 8mpsin^2 (x) + m^2)

does it imply that the cross section is proportional to

1 / sin^4 (x) as well?
 
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alfredbester said:
If I show something that a cross section is proportional to:

1 / (16p^2 sin^4( x) + 8mpsin^2 (x) + m^2)

does it imply that the cross section is proportional to

1 / sin^4 (x) as well?
No. But can you factor the first denominator?
 
1 / (4psin^2(x) + m)(4psin^2(x) + m)

Not sure what to do from there.
 
alfredbester said:
1 / (4psin^2(x) + m)(4psin^4(x) + m)

Not sure what to do from there.
The two factors in the denomnator are identical. What you have shown is that your thing is inversely proportional to the square of (4psin^2(x) + m). It is inversely proportiona to sin^4(x) only if m = 0. You could reach the same conclusion from your original expression, but it is a bit more evident when you factor it into a product of identical terms.
 
That cause a problem then I was the scattering cross section is proportional to Mfi and

|M_{fi}|^2 /propto 1 / (q^2 + m^2)^2

Starting from the definition of q = p_{final} - p_{initial}.

Show that the angular dependence of the scattering is then given simply by the Rutherford formula:CS= scattering cross secion

CS /propto 1 /(sin^4(\theta /2)

I found q = 2psin(\theta /2)
Since Mfi is proportional to the scattering CS I just tried sticking q into into the expression for |M_{fi}|^2 as above but that clearly didn't work. I guess the wording angular dependence is key here.
 
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alfredbester said:
That cause a problem then I was the scattering cross section is proportional to Mfi and

|M_{fi}|^2 /propto 1 / (q^2 + m^2)^2

Starting from the definition of q = p_{final} - p_{initial}.

Show that the angular dependence of the scattering is then given simply by the Rutherford formula:CS= scattering cross secion

CS /propto 1 /(sin^4(\theta /2)

I found q = 2psin(\theta /2)
Since Mfi is proportional to the scattering CS I just tried sticking q into into the expression for |M_{fi}|^2 as above but that clearly didn't work. I guess the wording angular dependence is key here.
I had no context for your question, and I'm not completely following what you are trying to do. I have to log off now. See if this helps you any

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/rutsca.html
 
Thanks, I've got it now m=0 because the exchange boson is a photon :).
 
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