Normalising simplified proton distribution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on normalizing a simplified model of a proton's charge distribution described by the equation ρ(r) ∝ (1/r)Exp(-r/R), where R represents the characteristic size of the proton. The integral solution involves the exponential integral Ei(-r/R), which cannot be normalized using traditional limits from infinity to negative infinity. The correct approach involves calculating the integral of ρ(r) in spherical coordinates, leading to the normalization constant N = 1 / sqrt(2πR).

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alfredbester
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I tried asking this question in the maths help, but am still stuck.

Q. For a simplified model of a proton's charge distribution, (where R can be considered as some characteristic "size" of the proton):[tex]\rho[/tex](r) [tex]\propto[/tex] [tex](1/r)[/tex]Exp(- r / R) where R is some characteristic size of the proton.

With some help I've figured the integral to this solution is the exponentialintegral: Ei(-r/R) in the past when I'm asked to normalise something I'd take the limits from infinity to -infinity and find N so the probability is 1, here though the exponential integral can't be normalised from what I can see. Any pointers would be appreciated.
 
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d^3r in spherical coords with no angular dependence is 4 pi r^2dr so the integral rho r^2 dr converges.
 
So

[tex]\rho[/tex](r) = (4pi r^2 dr).(1/r)Exp(-r / R)

Integral from infinity to 0 of |[tex]\rho[/tex](r)|^2 = N^2 . [(1/r^2).Exp(-2r / R)]

is 1 = N^2. (4pi) [1 / (-2/R)] = N^2 .2piR => N = 1 / sqrt(2.pi.R)
 
Last edited:

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