Solving Muon Decay Calc: Need Help!

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the mathematical derivation of muon decay calculations, specifically the transformation of differential equations in spherical coordinates. The user seeks assistance in deriving the expression for d^{3}p_{\bar{v_{e}}} and has already established key equations related to energy conservation and momentum. The challenge lies in differentiating the derived equations while managing the complexities introduced by the cosine term and ensuring consistency with the expected results. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in applying conservation laws and delta functions in particle physics.

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  • Understanding of muon decay processes and particle physics
  • Familiarity with spherical coordinates in mathematical physics
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in particle interactions
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly differentiation and integration techniques
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ChrisVer
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Please, I'd need some help. Although I am not sure if this is again the correct thread, but since it concerns muon decay I bring it here. So...

I am trying to find out why the differential below, in spherical cordinates becomes:
[itex]d^{3}p_{\bar{v_{e}}}=-\frac{E_{\bar{v_{e}}} E_{v_{μ}}}{E_{e}} dE_{\bar{v_{e}}} dE_{v_{μ}} dφ (0)[/itex]

I already have derived the equation:
[itex]E_{v_{μ}}^{2}= E_{\bar{v_{e}}}^{2}+E_{e}^{2}+2E_{\bar{v_{e}}}E_{e}cosθ (1)[/itex]
I also have the conservation of energy due to delta function:
[itex]E_{v_{μ}}= m_{μ}-E_{\bar{v_{e}}}-E_{e} (2)[/itex]

I stop in a very bad position not knowing how to continue:
[itex]d^{3}p_{\bar{v_{e}}}= p_{\bar{v_{e}}}^{2} dp_{\bar{v_{e}}} dcosθ dφ=E_{\bar{v_{e}}}^{2} dE_{\bar{v_{e}}} dcosθ dφ[/itex]
How would you recommend I continue? I would try to differentiate the [itex](1)[/itex] but it has also cosθ and generally a mess is happening. I also could try to differentiate [itex](2)[/itex] but I would get weird results not coinciding with [itex](0)[/itex]
Any suggestion?
(the mass of muon only exists, in the game, so the electron and neutrinos' masses are neglected, and thus their energies are equal to their momentum's magnitudes)
 
Last edited:
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Start with
[tex]d^3p_1d^3p_2d^3p_e\delta^4()/E_1E_2E_e[/tex].
[tex]\rightarrow d^3p_1d^3p_2\delta(E_1+E_2+E_e-M)/E_1E_2E_e[/tex],
[tex]\rightarrow 8\pi^2p_1dE_1p_2dE_2d\cos(\theta)\delta(E_1+E_2+E_e-M)/E_e[/tex],
with [itex]E_e=\sqrt{m^2+p^2_1+p^2_2+2p_1p_2\cos(\theta)}[/itex].
The delta function integration over d\theta gives
[tex]8\pi^2dE_1dE_2.[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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