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University Quantum Field Theory I · topic UQFTI-14.05

F_1: the ultraviolet pole cancels against delta_2, and Z_1 = Z_2 is checked

Connect the ideas, make your working visible, and test the result. Use the hints when you need a starting point; open the full solution after your attempt.

Further practice

Work through a fresh case before tackling the extension.

Further practice · 01

F₁'s ultraviolet pole and the one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂: predict a finite change

The one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂ is the calculation showing that the γ^μ part of the vertex correction at zero momentum transfer, δF₁(0), equals −δ₂ term by term, so the vertex counterterm δ₁ fixed by F₁(0) = 1 equals δ₂. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = 2/eps + 7.9538 - 2*w - 9.2103*k, where Y_out is VERTEX δF₁(0) (α/4π). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793. eps is Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε, dimensionless. Keep k (Photon mass μ_γ = 10^(−k) m) = 3; w (Keep (2 − ε)²: 1 yes, 0 no) = 1 fixed. For this exercise use only 0.329688 ≤ eps ≤ 0.920312 on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. Calculate Y_out at eps = 0.459625 and 0.542312. Find the signed output change ΔY_out and the average sensitivity ΔY_out/Δeps across this interval. State whether the response increases or decreases; distinguish this interval average from a derivative at one point.

Explore the question data

VERTEX δF₁(0) against eps

Predictions from the supplied F₁'s ultraviolet pole and the one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂ model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.

Vertical axis (y): VERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π

VERTEX δF₁(0) against epsPredictions from the supplied F₁'s ultraviolet pole and the one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂ model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law. Horizontal axis: eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε. Vertical axis: VERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π. Exact values are available in the data table below.-19.66-18.61-17.56-16.51-15.460.30610.46550.6250.78450.9439xy

Horizontal axis (x): eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε

Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.

Reading 1eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε: 0.3297VERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π: -15.61
Read the exact data as a table
VERTEX δF₁(0) against eps — supplied values
eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − εVERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π
0.3296875-15.610749289099527
0.47734375-17.487247299509
0.625-18.4771
0.77265625-19.088626794742165
0.9203125-19.503925127334465

These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.

Show a hint

Substitute each value of eps separately while keeping every other input fixed, then subtract in the same order.

Reveal the worked solution
  1. At eps = 0.459625, substitute into Y_out = 2/eps + 7.9538 - 2*w - 9.2103*k: Y₀ = -17.3257 α/4π.
  2. At eps = 0.542312, the same fixed-parameter model gives Y₁ = -17.9892 α/4π.
  3. Signed change: ΔY_out = Y₁ − Y₀ = -0.663463 α/4π; the input change is Δeps = 0.0826875.
  4. Average sensitivity is ΔY_out/Δeps = -8.02374 α/4π per unit input. Its negative sign means that this response decreases over the specified interval.
  5. This is a secant slope between two settings. It equals a point derivative only for a locally linear relation or in a justified small-interval limit.

Answer Y₀ = -17.3257 α/4π, Y₁ = -17.9892 α/4π; ΔY_out = -0.663463 α/4π; average sensitivity = -8.02374 α/4π per unit input.

Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.

Extra challenging questions

Work through the linked stages and explain what each result means.

Extra challenging · 01

F₁'s ultraviolet pole and the one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂: infer an input with uncertainty

The one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂ is the calculation showing that the γ^μ part of the vertex correction at zero momentum transfer, δF₁(0), equals −δ₂ term by term, so the vertex counterterm δ₁ fixed by F₁(0) = 1 equals δ₂. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = 2/eps + 7.9538 - 2*w - 9.2103*k, where Y_out is VERTEX δF₁(0) (α/4π). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793. eps is Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε, dimensionless. Keep k (Photon mass μ_γ = 10^(−k) m) = 3; w (Keep (2 − ε)²: 1 yes, 0 no) = 1 fixed. For this exercise use only 0.329688 ≤ eps ≤ 0.920312 on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = -18.778418 α/4π, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.10883 α/4π. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown eps by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.0000590625, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.

Explore the question data

VERTEX δF₁(0) against eps

Predictions from the supplied F₁'s ultraviolet pole and the one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂ model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.

Vertical axis (y): VERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π

VERTEX δF₁(0) against epsPredictions from the supplied F₁'s ultraviolet pole and the one-loop check of Z₁ = Z₂ model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law. Horizontal axis: eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε. Vertical axis: VERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π. Exact values are available in the data table below.-19.66-18.61-17.56-16.51-15.460.30610.46550.6250.78450.9439xy

Horizontal axis (x): eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε

Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.

Reading 1eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − ε: 0.3297VERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π: -15.61
Read the exact data as a table
VERTEX δF₁(0) against eps — supplied values
eps: Regulator ε, with d = 4 − εVERTEX δF₁(0) / α/4π
0.3296875-15.610749289099527
0.47734375-17.487247299509
0.625-18.4771
0.77265625-19.088626794742165
0.9203125-19.503925127334465

These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.

Show a hint

The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(eps) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.

Reveal the worked solution
  1. Endpoint predictions are Y_out(0.329688) = -15.6107 α/4π and Y_out(0.920312) = -19.5039 α/4π. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
  2. Endpoint interpolation gives eps_line = 0.329688 + (-18.7784 − -15.6107)(0.920312 − 0.329688)/(-19.5039 − -15.6107) = 0.810247. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
  3. Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives eps = 0.689969; substituting back gives Y_out = -18.778418 α/4π.
  4. The interpolation error in the input is |eps_line − eps| = 0.120279. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
  5. Invert both limits Y_out = -18.887248 α/4π and -18.669588 α/4π. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 0.665002 ≤ eps ≤ 0.716884.
  6. The lower and upper input deviations are 0.0249672 and 0.0269152. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.

Answer eps ≈ 0.689969; compatible interval [0.665002, 0.716884]. Endpoint interpolation gives 0.810247.

Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.