Linear chain with m th nearest neighbor interactions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a theoretical examination of a linear chain model in physics, specifically addressing interactions beyond nearest neighbors using harmonic potential energy. The original poster attempts to derive a generalized dispersion relation and explore the implications of varying the interaction strength parameter, p.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the replacement of summations with integrals in the context of dispersion relations. The original poster describes their attempts to manipulate integrals and expand functions, while expressing frustration over reaching a dead end. Others suggest substitutions to simplify the integral and focus on the dependence of ω on k.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with the original poster indicating progress after receiving a suggestion. However, further questions remain, particularly regarding specific cases such as when p = 3, indicating that multiple interpretations and approaches are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions being out of school for several years, which may influence their approach and understanding of the problem. There is also a hint provided in the initial post regarding the limitations of small-k expansions.

wildroseopaka
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1. Ashcroft and Mermin 22.1
Reexamine the theory of the linear chain without making the assumption that only nearest neighbors interact, using the harmonic potential energy of the form:
U^harm=∑_n▒∑_(m>0)▒1/2 K_m [u(na)-u([n+m]a) ]^(1/2)
Show that the dispersion relation must be generalized to
ω=2(∑_(m>0)▒K_m ((〖sin〗^2 (1/2 mka)))/M )^(1/2)
Show that, provided the sum converges, the long wavelength limit of the dispersion relation must be generalized to:
ω=a(∑_(m>0)▒〖m^2 K_m/M)^(1/2) |k| 〗
Show that if Km = 1/mp (1<p<3), so that the sum does not converge, then in the long wavelength limit
ω∝ k^((p-1)/2)

Hint: it is no longer permissible to use the small-k expansion of the sine in equation a, but one can replace the sum by an integral in the limit of small k.


Homework Equations

: Included in part 1



The Attempt at a Solution


I have no problem getting parts a and b, but part c is eluding me. I first replaced the summation with an integral and got:

ω=2(∫_0^k▒〖m^(-p) (〖sin〗^2 (1/2 mka))/M〗 〖dm)〗^(1/2)
I then expanded the sin^2
ω=2(∫_0^k▒〖m^(-p) (1-cos(1/2 mka))/M〗 〖dm)〗^(1/2)
I attempted an integration by parts, but quickly realized that I would end up in a never ending cycle. I then read a tip online (not a solution, but a hint) that one should try expanding cos x. But I keep ending up with

ω∝∫_0^k▒〖m^(-p) (1-(1-m^2 k^2+m^4 k^4-m^6 k^6+m^8 k^8-…)〗 〖dm)〗^(1/2)An
Which, when I integrate, doesn’t seem to give me the right answer. I feel I’m missing something very basic, but I’ve been out of school for several years, and I’ve been banging my head against a wall on this for days now. Any help is appreciated.
 
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Try a substitution where you let ##u## = the argument of the sine function. Convert the integral over ##m## to a numerical factor times an integral with respect to ##u##. All of the ##k## dependence will be in the numerical factor. So you will not need to worry about doing the integral over ##u## if you just want to find how ##\omega## depends on ##k##.
 
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Thanks, I think that did it.
 
When p = 3, How to show w~kln(k)?
 

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