Smart Algebra of Exp. on Pg 191 of Peskin & Schroeder

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a specific algebraic expression found on page 191 of Peskin & Schroeder, related to the numerator of the vertex correction function in quantum field theory. Participants are attempting to manipulate the left-hand side (LHS) of the expression to match the right-hand side (RHS) using various identities and relations involving spinors and momenta.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in simplifying a complex expression involving spinors and momenta.
  • Another participant notes a discrepancy between the mass terms on the LHS and RHS, specifically pointing out the presence of ##m^2## on the LHS and ##(1-2z-z^2)m^2## on the RHS.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of the on-shell identity derived from the Dirac equation for simplifying terms, suggesting that the relationship between the spinors is less relevant than this identity.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster has found a solution and plans to share their working for reference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of the relationship between the spinors on the LHS and RHS, with some focusing on algebraic manipulation while others highlight the significance of the on-shell identity. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to simplify the expression.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific identities and relations that may depend on the definitions of the terms involved, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the algebraic steps needed to transition from the LHS to the RHS.

mdb71
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Hi all, I have a problem working out the algebra of the following expression in Peskin & Schroeder in a smart way to give the result. It is on page 191, regarding the numerator of the vertex correction function.
We want to get from the LHS to the RHS of the following expression
$$\bar{u}(p')[-\frac{1}{2}l^2\gamma^\mu + (z\not{p}-y\not{q})\gamma^{\mu}(z\not{p}+(1-y)\not{q}) + m^2\gamma^{\mu}-2m((1-2y)q^{\mu}+2zp^{\mu})]u(p)$$ $$ = \bar{u}(p')[\gamma^{\mu}(-\frac{1}{2}l^2+(1-x)(1-y)q^2+(1-2z-z^2)m^2)+(p'^{\mu}+p^{\mu})mz(1-z)+q^{\mu}m(z-2)(x-y)]u(p)$$
using
$$ q \equiv p'-p, \not{p}u(p) = mu(p), \bar{u}(p')\not{p'} = m\bar{u}(p'), \bar{u}(p')\not{q}u(p) = 0,\\
x+y+z = 1$$

Thanks a lot in advance!
 
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In the LHS you have ##m^2##, while in the RHS you have ##(1-2z-z^2)m^2##. What is the relation between ##\bar{u}(p')## (LHS) and ##u(p')## (RHS)?
 
mathman said:
In the LHS you have ##m^2##, while in the RHS you have ##(1-2z-z^2)m^2##. What is the relation between ##\bar{u}(p')## (LHS) and ##u(p')## (RHS)?
The argument of u is p, not p'. What do you mean what is their relation? They are spinors coming from the vertices which the propagators are attached. However, this is irrelevant; what is important here is the on shell identity - coming from the Dirac equation - by which we may simplify terms...
 
Just solved; I'll post the scan of the working in the next few days just for reference as it is quite an annoying passage. Other than that, feel free to post your answers, it is an opportunities to see some smart tricks at play
 

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