Normalization coefficient for Spherical Harmonics with m=l

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the normalization coefficient for Spherical Harmonics when m equals l, specifically through the evaluation of the integral of (Sin(x))^(2l+1). The user successfully applied substitution and the binomial theorem but struggled to connect their result to the solution manual's answer. The solution manual utilizes a recurrence formula for the sine integral, which simplifies the problem by reducing the integral to a product of coefficients, ultimately leading to the desired result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Spherical Harmonics and their properties
  • Familiarity with integral calculus, specifically sine integrals
  • Knowledge of the binomial theorem and its applications
  • Experience with recurrence relations in mathematical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the recurrence formula for sine integrals in depth
  • Explore advanced techniques in integral calculus, focusing on trigonometric functions
  • Learn about Spherical Harmonics and their applications in physics and engineering
  • Investigate numerical methods for verifying integral solutions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying advanced calculus or mathematical physics, particularly those working with Spherical Harmonics and integral equations.

david13579
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Well it is not the problem itself that bothers me but the maths behind a part of it. As part of finding the coefficient I had to solve the integral of (Sin(x))^(2l+ 1). The solution given by the solution manual just pretty much jumps to the final answer http://i.imgur.com/hhoeLKE.png

Homework Equations


...

The Attempt at a Solution


Using substitution and the binomial theorem I was able to get a solution (of the integral part only, It would still need solving for the coefficient) and got this http://i.imgur.com/wnOUNIp.png

The problem is I don't see how to get from my answer to the one on the solution manual. I know they are equivalent because I checked numerically for different values of l.[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi,
They use a recurrence formula for sine integral:
\int sin^{2l+1} \left ( \theta \right )d\theta =-\frac{sin^{2l}\left ( \theta \right )cos\left ( \theta \right )}{2l+1}+\frac{2l}{2l+1}\int sin^{2l-1} \left ( \theta \right )d\theta
And since
sin\left ( 0 \right )=sin\left ( \pi \right )=0
You are left only with:
\int sin^{2l+1} \left ( \theta \right )d\theta =\frac{2l}{2l+1}\int sin^{2l-1} \left ( \theta \right )d\theta
Finally they just sort of "calculate" this recurrently, and you are left only with the product of coefficients on the right side before the integral.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K