What are the units of A and δ in Dirac's delta function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the units of the constants A and δ in the context of Dirac's delta function, particularly in relation to an integral involving energy and power. Participants explore the dimensional analysis of the delta function and its implications for the units of A.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant queries the units of A and δ in the expression for energy, E, defined as an integral involving the delta function.
  • Another participant asserts that the delta function has the dimension of the reciprocal of the variable of integration, suggesting that A must have the same dimension as E, which is Joules.
  • A further contribution references the property of the delta function, indicating that the integral of the delta function over its variable yields a dimensionless result, reinforcing the previous claim about the units.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the dimensionality of the delta function and its implications for the units of A, though no explicit consensus is reached on all aspects of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions regarding the definitions of the variables involved or the context in which the delta function is applied.

Gonzolo
Consider :

[tex]E = \int P(\tau) d\tau = \int A\delta(\tau) d\tau[/tex]

E is in Joules and [tex]P(\tau)[/tex] is in Watts, what are the units of A? What about [tex]\delta[/tex]?

I have a hunch, but need to have all doubts removed.
 
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The delta function has the dimension of the reciprocal of the variable of integration. Thus delta(tau)d(tau) is non-dimensional. Therefore A has the same dimension as E, i.e. Joules.
 
And you can see why the dirac delta has units of the reciprocal of the integration variable from

[tex]\int _{-\infty} ^{\infty} \delta (p-p_0) dp = 1[/tex],
where p is any parameter.
 
Thanks guys!
 

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