Quantum Scattering: Do I Need to Lookup Orthogonal Functions?

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    Quantum Scattering
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around quantum scattering and the use of orthogonal functions in the context of a specific equation from a previous thread. Participants are exploring the implications of orthogonality in the expansion of terms related to scattering theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the necessity of looking up orthogonal functions and how they relate to the coefficients in the expansions. There is a focus on understanding the derivation of a specific equation and the implications of substituting values in the context of orthogonality.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on specific steps and the application of orthogonality. Some guidance has been offered regarding the comparison of expansion terms, but there is no consensus on the next steps or the validity of certain assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a closed thread and are attempting to clarify concepts without access to the original discussion. There is a noted concern about the validity of simplifying assumptions made regarding the function Pl(cosθ).

NewtonApple
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I need a little more explanation about the solution discussed in the following thread.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=410830

Do I've to lookup for orthogonal functions?

PS. required thread is closed so I'm posting here.
 
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Can someone clarify how did they get equation 15.5.7?

2gsfred.jpg
 

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They just compared the terms in the expansion term one by one. If the two expansions are equal to each other then each coefficient of the expansion is equal to each other. It's possible to prove that by use of the orthogonality of the functions as you guessed.
 
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ok after substituting values in Equation [15.5.6]

we get

$$\sum A_{l}\frac{e^{\iota(kr-\pi/2l+\delta_{l})}-e^{-\iota(kr-\pi/2l+\delta_{l})}}{2\iota kr}P_{l}(Cos\theta)= \sum[(2l+1)\iota^{l} \frac{e^{\iota(kr-\pi/2l+\delta_{l})}-e^{-\iota(kr-\pi/2l+\delta_{l})}}{2\iota kr}P_{l}(Cos\theta)
+ \frac{1}{r}\sum f_{l}P_{l}(Cos\theta)e^{\iota kr}]P_{l}(Cos\theta) $$

simplifying and making P_{l}(Cos\theta) \rightarrow 1

we have

A_{l}\frac{e^{\iota{kr-\pi/2l+\delta_l}}}{2\iota kr} - A_{l}\frac{e^{-\iota kr-\pi/2l+\delta_l}}{2\iota kr} = (2l+1) i^{l}\frac{e^{\iota kr-\pi/2l+\delta_l}}{2\iota kr} - (2l+1) i^{l}\frac{e^{-\iota kr-\pi/2l+\delta_l}}{2\iota kr} + f_{l} \frac{e^{\iota kr}}{r}

now what? please give me some hint.
 
Last edited:
"Now what" what? what are you trying to calculate? Also, you can't make Pl(cosθ) equal 1. That makes no sense. It is a function of θ.
 
I'm trying to follow the steps in the given solution. I don't know how to use orthogonality condition here.
 

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