Understanding Transition btwn Steps of Dirac Delta Function

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the transition between two mathematical expressions involving the Dirac delta function in quantum mechanics. The key formula highlighted is the property of the Dirac delta function, which states that the integral of a function multiplied by the delta function evaluates to the function itself at the point specified by the delta function. This property is confirmed to apply even for functions of more than one variable, as demonstrated in the provided equations.

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cyberdeathreaper
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Can someone help me understand the transition between these two steps?
[tex] <x> = \iint \Phi^* (p',t) \delta (p - p') \left( - \frac{\hbar}{i} \frac{\partial}{\partial p} \Phi (p,t) \right) dp' dp[/tex]
=
[tex] <x> = \int \Phi^* (p,t) \left( - \frac{\hbar}{i} \frac{\partial}{\partial p} \Phi (p,t) \right) dp[/tex]

Assume the integrals go from -infinity to +infinity, and assume the delta function is the Dirac delta function.
 
Last edited:
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Dear cyberdeathreaper,

It is a general property of delta functions that:

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(p') \delta(p-p') dp' = f(p)[/tex]

This formula is used in what you have written.

Carl
 
Last edited:
Thanks, I knew it was related to that. I just wasn't sure if it applied for functions of more than one variable or not.
 

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