Spherical Co-Ordinate Integral

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the integration of the expression \(\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^\pi \int_0^r \frac{m^2r}{4\pi} e^{-r(m+iq\cos\theta)} \sin\theta \, dr \, d\theta \, d\phi\). The user attempts to simplify the integral by separating the \(\phi\) integral and suggests using integration by parts for the \(\theta\) integral. A substitution \(x = \cos \theta\) is recommended as a common technique in theoretical physics. The expected result of the integral is \(F(q^{2})=\frac{m^2}{m^2+q^2}\), but the user struggles with the exponential factor in the integral.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates in calculus
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, including integration by parts
  • Knowledge of complex exponentials and their properties
  • Experience with substitutions in integrals, particularly \(x = \cos \theta\)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced integration techniques, focusing on integration by parts
  • Explore the properties of complex exponentials in integrals
  • Learn about substitutions in spherical coordinates, particularly in physics contexts
  • Investigate the derivation of integrals leading to results like \(F(q^{2})=\frac{m^2}{m^2+q^2}\)
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in mathematics and theoretical physics, particularly those dealing with complex integrals and spherical coordinate systems.

Ayame17
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Homework Statement



I'm trying to integrate the following:

[tex]\int_0^{2\pi} \int_0^\pi \int_0^r \frac{m^2r}{4\pi} e^{-r(m+iqcos\theta)} sin\theta dr d\theta d\phi[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Well, the question wasn't just that, my attempt was to get this far!

I know that [tex]\int_0^{2\pi} d\phi[/tex] can just sit off to one side to be put in later, since there is no [tex]\phi[/tex] in the equation. Trying to do the next integral in, however, has proved difficult. I'd have to use integration by parts, since [tex]\theta[/tex] appears twice, but since I have an exponential and [tex]sin\theta[/tex] will just go around to [tex]cos\theta[/tex] and back again, I don't see how it will work. Any help will be appreciated!
 
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Try substituting x = cos theta (this is a common trick in theoretical physics, so remember it!)
 
I've had a play around with that and, although it gives quite a nice number, I know the answer I need but can't seem to reach it...I've been told that I should get:

[tex]F(q^{2})=\frac{m^2}{m^2+q^2}[/tex]

The problem being, my integral still has an exponential factor - I'm not sure how to make it disappear!
 

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