Dimensional analysis of the SED

In summary, the student is not sure how to put the Schrödingerin dimensionless form in the SED and asks for help. The teacher introduces the idea of x' = x/x0 and explains that this is related to the second derivative. The student is not sure how this works and asks for more help. The teacher is not interested in helping the student and instead states that the student should just do the problem on their own.
  • #1
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I have an exercise at the moment where I am supposed to put the Schrödingerin dimensionless form (the exact exercise is attached). I must admit that this idea of dimensional analysis is quite new to me. I don't understand how you can write the SED in the dimensionless form described. Therefore I could use some hints from one of you :) They introduce this new x' = x/x0. To put the SED in the given form are we then supposed to substitute x = x'x0 in the SED? If so I don't see how the h^2/2m disappears.
 

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  • #2
The second derivative also changes:
[tex]
\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2} \stackrel{?}{=} k \, \frac{\partial^2}{\partial x'^2}
[/tex]
How is k related to x0?
 
  • #3
I guess the derivative somehow would throw a factor of 1/x02 in but I am overall unsure about what is done in this exercise.
Do we switch variables from: x-> x'/x0? In that case everything that is named x should just be changed to x' and I can't see what sense that would make. On the other hand we could subsitute x= x'x0 but I don't see that going anywhere. Can you in detail explain what the idea is?
 
  • #4
I'm not here to do your homework. You are right that you get a factor of [itex]1/x^2_0[/itex] in front of the second derivative. Now, if you multiply by
[tex]
\frac{m x^2_0}{\hbar^2}
[/tex]
the coefficient in front of the second derivative becomes [itex]-1/2[/itex], as required in the problem. You can read off what [itex]\tilde{V}_0[/itex] and [itex]\tilde{E}[/itex].
 
  • #5
you are not here for my homework? No, I guess not but you are here to help me, and I think you can trust me on the fact that I have really tried to think this over but can't make sense of it:
So I ask again, in a more elaborative way, what is that is done:
Do we switch variables from x-> x'? In that way I don't see how the factor of 1/x02 comes in since you would basically just replace every x by x'? You could I suppose plug in x = x'x0 but that doesn't seem to make sense either. Can't you see the problem? A student pointed out the problem today too and the teacher agreed in a way and said something I didn't really get.
If you really don't want to help me fine, but please don't reply to my posts in future times :)
 
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  • #6
Please read through what has been already written carefully, instead of rambling on things that do not make sense.
 
  • #7
I have! But your comments merely state that the derivative changes which throws in a factor of 1/x02. So in principle I can solve the problem yes. But I would like to understand what it is you do to obtain this. Why this aggressive attitude? I asked a question - if you don't want to help me then simply don't respond. And if things I say doesn't make sense maybe that should hint you at the fact that I don't understand the general procedure in this exercise.
 

FAQ: Dimensional analysis of the SED

What is dimensional analysis?

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to analyze and understand the physical quantities involved in a problem or experiment. It involves breaking down a complex problem into simpler components and examining their units of measurement.

How is dimensional analysis applied to the SED?

Dimensional analysis is applied to the SED (Spectral Energy Distribution) to understand the physical properties of sources in the universe. By examining the units of the SED, scientists can determine the type of radiation emitted by a source and its energy distribution.

Why is dimensional analysis important in studying the SED?

Dimensional analysis is crucial in studying the SED because it helps scientists understand the underlying physical processes and properties of sources in the universe. It allows for comparisons between different sources and helps to identify patterns and relationships in the data.

What are the units of the SED?

The units of the SED are a combination of frequency (Hz) and flux density (erg/s/cm2/Hz). This unit is often referred to as Jansky (Jy), named after the astronomer Karl Jansky who first measured radio waves from space.

How does dimensional analysis help in interpreting the SED?

Dimensional analysis helps in interpreting the SED by providing a framework for understanding the physical quantities involved in a source's radiation. By examining the units of the SED, scientists can determine the source's temperature, luminosity, and other important properties that can help in understanding its nature.

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