Is There a Problem with My Graph Drawing Homework?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced while plotting the running coupling constant graph using Mathematica. The user initially struggled with the formula \(\frac{1}{\alpha(\mu)} = \frac{1}{\alpha(M_Z)} + \frac{b}{2\pi}\ln\frac{\mu}{M_{Z}}\) and the necessary data for the \(\frac{1}{\alpha_i(\mu)}-\log(\mu)\) graph. After troubleshooting, the user identified that the sign of the constant \(b\) was reversed, which was the source of the plotting issue. The discussion highlights the importance of verifying constants and the benefits of explaining problems to others as a means of finding solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the running coupling constant in quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with Mathematica for graph plotting
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions, specifically natural log and log base 10
  • Ability to interpret scientific papers related to particle physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to use Mathematica for advanced graph plotting techniques
  • Study the differences between natural logarithm and logarithm base 10
  • Explore the implications of the running coupling constant in quantum chromodynamics
  • Review the referenced papers: arXiv:hep-ph/0012288v2, arXiv:0711.2903v1 [hep-ph], and arXiv:hep-ph/9705479v1 for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those working with quantum field theory and graph plotting in Mathematica.

dingo_d
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Homework Statement



I need to draw the running coupling constant graph like this one:

running_coupling.gif


And I have a formula:

\frac{1}{\alpha(\mu)} = \frac{1}{\alpha(M_Z)} + \frac{b}{2\pi}\ln\frac{\mu}{M_{Z}}

And I have the necessary data to draw \frac{1}{\alpha_i(\mu)}-\log(\mu) graph (I have \alpha_i^{-1}(M_Z), b_i, and M_Z).

And I plug that in in Mathematica and I cannot seem to get that graph! I tried by replacing the \frac{1}{\alpha(\mu)} with y, and \log(\mu) with x, and plotting that, I've tried by not changing the logarithm, and making the LogPlot, but no go.

I really don't know what I'm doing wrong :(

I looked at 3 papers on this topic, to see if I got the constants wrong, but I didn't see anything different :|

arXiv:hep-ph/0012288v2, arXiv:0711.2903v1 [hep-ph], and arXiv:hep-ph/9705479v1

EDIT:

Never mind! I reversed the sign of the b somehow... xD
 
Last edited:
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so where is your graph for comparison?

You've checked the units ofmeasure for each quantity and constant you're using?

It looks like both x and y axes are log based. Are you using the same kind of chart?

The formula is using natural log base e and it looks like the sample chart is using log base 10.
 
I've found what I've done wrong. The b constants had reversed sign :D

Thanks anyway :D
 
That's good. Many times just explaining it helps you find your error.
 
jedishrfu said:
That's good. Many times just explaining it helps you find your error.

True that! :D

I do that sometimes with my friends, and in the midst of explaining them the issue, I find the solution :D
 

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