Non-Relativistic Scattering: Born Approximation for Particle-Wave Vector k

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the Born approximation to derive the differential cross section for the scattering of a non-relativistic particle from a fixed distribution of charge. The charge distribution is assumed to be neutral, spherically symmetric, and defined in terms of the second moment. The homework equations involve a scattering angle and the amplitude for a spherically symmetric potential. The solution requires knowing the potential, and there is uncertainty about the convergence of the integral involving the second moment.
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Homework Statement


Consider a non-relativistic scattering of a particle of mass m and charge e from a fixed distibution of charge [tex]\rho(r)[/tex]. Assume that the charge distribution is neutral, [tex]\int d^3r \rho(r) =0[/tex], it's spherically symmetric, and the second moment is defined as:
[tex]A=\int d^3r r^2\rho(r)[/tex].
Use the Born approximation to derive the differential cross section for the scattering of a particle of wave vector k.


Homework Equations


Let [tex]q=2ksin(\theta/2)[/tex] and the amplitude of the differential cross section to be:
[tex]f(\theta)=(-2m/(q\hbar^2))\int_{0}^{\infty} rV(r)sin(qr)dr[/tex]
(for a spherically symmetric potential).
N.B
theta is the scattering angle.

The Attempt at a Solution


To do the calculation all I need to know is what is the potential,
now the constant A has magnitude of charge times displacement squared, which means eA/r^3 will give units of potetnial energy, but when I insert this I get that the integral doesn't converge, am I wrong here?
If it were the first moment then the integral will converge (the known intgral of sin(x)/x on the etire real line).
Any suggestions here?

Thanks in advance.
 
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FAQ: Non-Relativistic Scattering: Born Approximation for Particle-Wave Vector k

What is non-relativistic scattering?

Non-relativistic scattering is a process in which two or more particles interact with each other through the exchange of a force. It is called "non-relativistic" because the velocities of the particles involved are much smaller than the speed of light, so relativistic effects can be neglected.

What is the Born approximation for particle-wave vector k?

The Born approximation is a method used to calculate the scattering amplitude for a particle interacting with a potential. In the case of particle-wave vector k, it assumes that the wave vector of the scattered particle is equal to the incident wave vector plus a small correction due to the interaction with the potential.

How is the Born approximation derived?

The Born approximation is derived by solving the Schrödinger equation for the scattering problem and assuming that the potential is small. This allows for a perturbative approach, in which the scattering amplitude is expanded in powers of the potential and the lowest order term is taken as the Born approximation.

What are the limitations of the Born approximation?

The Born approximation is only valid for small potentials and low energies. It also assumes that the particles involved are non-relativistic, so it cannot be used to describe high-energy scattering processes. Additionally, the Born approximation does not take into account higher-order effects such as multiple scattering.

How is the Born approximation useful in practical applications?

The Born approximation is a useful tool in theoretical physics for calculating scattering amplitudes and understanding the behavior of particles in potential fields. It has also been applied in fields such as atomic and molecular physics, where it has been used to study the scattering of electrons and other particles off atoms and molecules.

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