Scattering Cross-section Problems in Shankar 19.3.2 and 19.3.3?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around problems 19.3.2 and 19.3.3 from Shankar, which involve calculating scattering cross-sections using spherically symmetric potentials. The specific potentials under consideration are V(r) = -V_{0}(r_{0}-r)θ and V(r) = V_{0}exp(-r_{2}/r^{0}_{2}).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution of potentials into the integral for f(θ) and the subsequent integration process. Questions arise regarding the limits of integration and the role of θ in the results. Some participants share their attempts and strategies for tackling the problems, including specific techniques used in the integration process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and insights. Some have provided hints and strategies for approaching the problems, while others are questioning specific aspects of the solutions and the integration limits. There is no explicit consensus yet, but various interpretations and methods are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problems, particularly in relation to the use of computational tools like Mathematica. There is also mention of the challenges posed by the integration techniques required for these problems.

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Homework Statement


Problems are Shankar 19.3.2 and 19.3.3 with spherically symmetric potentials V(r)=-V[tex]_{0}(r_{0}-r)\theta[/tex] and V(r)=V[tex]_{0}exp(-r_{2}/r^{0}_{2}^{})[/tex]


Homework Equations


[tex] f\left( \theta \right) = - \frac{{2\mu }}{{\hbar ^2 }}\int\limits_{r_0 }^r {\frac{{\sin qr'}}{q}V\left( {r'} \right)r'dr'} [/tex]
and
[tex] \frac{{d\sigma }}{{d\Omega }} = \left| {f\left( \theta \right)} \right|^2 [/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


Don't I just substitute the potentials for V(r) and integrate? The example in Shankar seemed to do that successfully for the Yukawa potential. What am I missing?
 
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Have you tried it?
 
Yes, I did try. Shankar gives the answer to the first one:
[tex]\frac{d\sigma}{d\Omega}= 4r_0^2 \left( {\frac{{\mu V_0 r_0^2 }}{{\hbar ^2 }}} \right)^2 \frac{{\left( {\sin qr_0 - qr_0 \cos qr_0 } \right)^2 }}{{\left( {qr_0 } \right)^6 }}$[/tex]


Questions that arise from this:
What happened to [tex]\theta[/tex]?
What are the appropriate limits of integration - r[tex]_{0}[/tex] to [tex]\infty[/tex]?
 
why to study the structure of nuclear scattering is often used as Compton scattering without using the other?
 
I was just working through Shankar 19.3.3 and it's seriously a tough problem (if you don't use mathematica.) I thought it might be nice to put my hints on here.

For finding ∂σ/∂Ω, I used the following tricks (in the order listed):

1. Get rid of the r in the integrand by saying r sin(qr) = ∂/∂q[cos(qr)]

2. Write the cos as the sum of exponentials

3. Combine the two exponential integrals

4. Complete the square for the exponential integral

5. Change variables to turn it into a gaussian integral

And then to find σ

6. Use shankar's hint to change the integral over q into an integral over cosθ
I think it officially qualifies as a "tricky" problem.

13.3.2 just requires you to evaluate a limit using L'Hopital's rule--it's not nearly as challenging.
 
Last edited:

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