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Homework 5


Homework 5


Question 1:

(a)
Verify that the Quark Model wave functions for the proton with spin projection +1/2,
ψ(p, Jz=+1/2) = (1/3√2) ( 2 u↑ u↑ d↓ - u↑ u↓ d↑ + permutations),
and the Δ+ with spin projection +1/2,
ψ(Δ+, Jz=+1/2) = (1/3) ( u↑ u↑ d↓ + u↑ u↓ d↑ + permutations),
are orthogonal.

(b)
Using spin and isospin lowering operators, derive the Quark Model wave function
for the Λ hyperon.
[ Hint: start with the state Σ*+ (Jz=+3/2), and compute the wave functions for the
orthogonal Jz=+1/2 states Σ*0 and Σ0, which must also be orthogonal to Λ (Jz=+1/2) ]


Question 2:

(a)
The SU(2) quark doublet ( u, d ) transforms as ( u', d' ) = R2(θ) ( u, d ), where the rotation matrix
R2(θ) = exp( i σ2 θ/2 ). Show that the antiquark doublet in the conjugate representation, ( d, -u),
also transforms under R2(θ).

(b)
Meson wave functions in the Quark Model are constructed as products ( u, d ) ⊗ ( d, -u)
to give states of isospin 0 or 1, and spin 0 or 1. Derive spin-flavor wave functions for the following:
(i) vector-isovector (ρ+, ρ0, ρ-) mesons; (ii) pseudoscalar-isovector (π+, π0, π-) mesons;
(iii) pseudoscalar-isoscalar η meson.

(c)
Using the derived Quark Model meson wave functions, verify that the G-parities of the π and ρ
are -1 and +1, respectively.
[Note: recall that quarks obey anticommutation relations, so that e.g. ud↓ = - du↑ ]