Legendre polynomials and Bessel function of the first kind

In summary, the conversation discusses proving the equality of two infinite series involving the n-th Legendre polynomial and the first kind Bessel function of order zero. The attempt at a solution involves using the exponential function and expanding it as an infinite sum, and trying to prove the equality using physical arguments and the integral representation of the Bessel function.
  • #1
Rulonegger
16
0

Homework Statement


Prove that [tex]\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{\frac{r^n}{n!}P_{n}(\cos{\theta})}=e^{r\cos{\theta}}J_{0}(r\sin{\theta})[/tex] where [itex]P_{n}(x)[/itex] is the n-th legendre polynomial and [itex]J_{0}(x)[/itex] is the first kind Bessel function of order zero.

Homework Equations


[tex]P_{n}(\cos{\theta})=\frac{1}{2^{2n}}\sum_{k=0}^{n}{\frac{(2n-2k)!(2k)!}{(k!)^2[(n-k)!]^2}e^{i(2k-n)\theta}}[/tex]
[tex]J_{\nu}(x)=\sum_{s=0}^{\infty}{\frac{(-1)^s}{s!(\nu+s)!}\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)^{\nu+2s}}[/tex]
[tex]\left(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{a_n}\right)\cdot\left(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{b_n}\right)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{\sum_{k=0}^{n}{a_{n-k}b_k}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Using that [tex]e^{r\cos{\theta}}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{\frac{(r\cos{\theta})^{n}}{n!}}[/tex]
I get [tex]e^{r\cos{\theta}}J_{0}(r\sin{\theta})=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{\frac{(r\cos{\theta})^{n}}{n!}}\cdot\sum_{s=0}^{\infty}{\frac{(-1)^s}{(s!)^2}\left(\frac{r\sin{\theta}}{2}\right)^{2s}}=\sum_{n=0}^{∞}{\sum_{k=0}^{n}{\frac{(r\cos{\theta})^{n-2k}}{(n-2k)!}}\frac{(-1)^k}{(k!)^2}\left(\frac{r\sin{\theta}}{2}\right)^{2k}}[/tex]
[tex]\implies e^{r\cos{\theta}}J_{0}(r\sin{\theta})=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}{\frac{r^n}{n!}\left(\sum_{k=0}^{n}{\frac{n!(-1)^k}{(n-2k)!(k!)^2}\frac{\cos^{n-2k}{\theta}\sin^{2k}{\theta}}{2^{2k}}}\right)}[/tex]
So I just need to prove that
[tex]\frac{1}{2^{2n}}\sum_{k=0}^{n}{\frac{(2n-2k)!(2k)!}{(k!)^2[(n-k)!]^2}e^{i(2k-n)\theta}}=\sum_{k=0}^{n}{\frac{n!(-1)^k}{(n-2k)!(k!)^2}\frac{\cos^{n-2k}{\theta}\sin^{2k}{\theta}}{2^{2k}}}[/tex]
I've tried to expand the exponential as an infinite sum, or write the sine and cosine functions as exponentials, but I don't get anything, and I seriously doubt the former steps were made without any mistake. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
Try using some physical arguments. The left hand side is the solution to Laplace's equation considering azimuthal symmetry. So you can assume it is the solution with a given potential on the surface of a sphere. So the left hand side should be also a solution to Laplace's equation, but in cylindrical coordinates.
So these two represent a solution of Laplace's equation in different coordinate systems. So just transform the left to cylindrical and do the math.
Also try using Rodrigues's formula and the integral representation of the Bessel function.
 

Related to Legendre polynomials and Bessel function of the first kind

1. What are Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions of the first kind?

Legendre polynomials are a set of orthogonal polynomials used in mathematical analysis. They are named after the French mathematician Adrien-Marie Legendre. Bessel functions of the first kind are a class of special functions that arise in many mathematical and physical problems. They are named after the German mathematician Friedrich Bessel.

2. What is the difference between Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions?

The main difference between Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions is their domain and application. Legendre polynomials are used to solve problems involving spherical geometry, while Bessel functions are used to solve problems involving circular or cylindrical symmetry. Additionally, Legendre polynomials are defined over the interval [-1, 1], while Bessel functions are defined over the entire real line.

3. How are Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions calculated?

Legendre polynomials can be calculated using recurrence relations or by using a generating function. Bessel functions can be calculated using power series, continued fractions, or numerical methods such as the Wronskian method. There are also many software programs and online calculators available for computing these functions.

4. What are the applications of Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions?

Legendre polynomials are commonly used in physics, engineering, and mathematics to solve problems involving spherical symmetry, such as in quantum mechanics and electromagnetics. Bessel functions are used in a wide range of fields including acoustics, fluid mechanics, signal processing, and electrical engineering.

5. Are there any real-world examples of Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions. For example, Bessel functions can be used to model the vibrations of a circular drumhead, the propagation of sound waves in a cylindrical pipe, and the diffraction of light through a circular aperture. Legendre polynomials are used to describe the electric potential of a uniformly charged sphere and the magnetic field inside a spherical shell. They are also used in the analysis of acoustic waves in a spherical cavity and the distribution of heat in a spherical object.

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