Rutherford scattering - electromagnetic form factor

AI Thread Summary
Rutherford scattering is described by a formula involving the differential cross-section and the electromagnetic form factor, F(q). The form factor is derived from the charge density, ρ(x), and involves a transformation that leads to an expression incorporating the sine function. The confusion arises in the transition to the sine function, which is clarified by recognizing the integration limits for d(cosΘ) must cover the entire nucleus, leading to the appearance of sin(qr)/qr in the final expression. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly setting integration limits and understanding spherical symmetry in the context of scattering. This insight resolves the initial confusion regarding the derivation of the sine term in the form factor.
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Homework Statement


Hi there. This is not really a problem, I am only trying to understand something but I simply can't.
So Rutherford scattering says that $$ \frac{d\sigma }{d\Omega}=(\frac{Ze^2m}{8\pi \varepsilon _0 p^2})^2\frac{1}{\sin ^4(\Theta/2)}|F(q)|^2$$ where $$F(q)=\int \rho (\vec x)e^{i\vec q \cdot \vec x}d^3 \vec x$$ is the electromagnetic form function. Now for spherical symmetry: $$\rho (\vec x) \rightarrow \rho(x)$$ and $$\vec q \cdot \vec x=qrcos\Theta.$$ Meaning that my form function can be written as $$F(q)=2\pi\int _0 ^1 d(cos\Theta)\int _0 ^\infty r^2dr\rho(r)e^{iqrcos\Theta}=$$ $$=\frac{4\pi }{q}\int _0 ^\infty \rho(r)sin(qr)rdr.$$

I don't understand that last step. How the hell did we get ##sin(qr)##...?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, tried to do it step by step in order to answer this question but this is as close as I could get:
Starting with
$$F(q)=2\pi\int _0 ^1 d(cos\Theta)\int _0 ^\infty r^2dr\rho(r)e^{iqrcos\Theta}=$$ $$=2\pi \int \rho (r)r^2dr\int e^{iqrcos\Theta}d(cos\Theta)=$$ $$=2\pi \int \rho (r)r^2dr \frac{1}{iqr}[e^{iqr}-1]=$$ $$=2\pi \int \rho (r)rdr \frac{1}{iq}e^{\frac{iqr}{2}}[e^{\frac{iqr}{2}}-e^{-\frac{iqr}{2}}]=$$ $$=\frac{4\pi }{q}\int \rho (r)re^{\frac{iqr}{2}}sin(\frac{qr}{2})dr$$

Now I wonder what am I doing wrong...?
 
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Make sure you are using the correct limits for the integral ##d(\cos\Theta)##.
 
Aaaaaaaamm... Ah, of course, I have to integrate over the entire nucleus (sphere)...

So the ##d(\cos)## integral is actually from 1 to -1. And this brings me to ##sin(qr) / qr##.
 
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Mind = blown
 
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