Question about the Dirac Delta Function

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the Fourier spectrum of a given equation. It is mentioned that the spectrum would consist of two spikes at positive and negative omega values, but it is also noted that the Fourier transform of the given function will not have spikes. The discussion then shifts to clarify that the problem is likely asking for the inverse transform of F(omega).
  • #1
xoxomae
23
1

Homework Statement


Find the Fourier spectrum of the following equation

Homework Equations


##F(\omega)=\pi[\delta(\omega - \omega _0)+\delta(\omega +\omega_0)]##

The Attempt at a Solution


Would the Fourier spectrum just be two spikes at ##+\omega _0## and ##-\omega _0## which go up to infinity?
 
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  • #2
Yes. My guess is you are supposed to find the function that has such a Fourier transform ?
When you carry out the integration to find that functionl the ##\delta## functions will behave decently -- check the definition of a delta function
 
  • #3
xoxmae already has a function ##F\left( \omega\right)## that has two "spikes", one at ##\omega = \omega_0## and one at ##\omega = -\omega_0##. The Fourier transform of this will not have spikes.
 
  • #4
George Jones said:
xoxmae already has a function ##F\left( \omega\right)## that has two "spikes", one at ##\omega = \omega_0## and one at ##\omega = -\omega_0##. The Fourier transform of this will not have spikes.
He didn't ask for the Fourier transform of F(ω). He asked for the spectrum, i.e. a graph in the frequency domain, which is what BvU said, except it's not sufficient to say " ... spikes which go up to to infinity ..." of course. What of the ω coefficient?

I also agree with BvU that the problem was more likely to find the inverse transform of F(ω).
 

Related to Question about the Dirac Delta Function

What is the Dirac Delta Function?

The Dirac Delta Function, also known as the unit impulse function, is a mathematical function that is defined as zero everywhere except at the origin, where it is infinite. It is often used to represent a point mass or point charge in physics and engineering.

How is the Dirac Delta Function represented mathematically?

Mathematically, the Dirac Delta Function is represented as a spike at the origin, with an area of 1. It is often denoted by the symbol δ(x) or δ(x-a), where a is the location of the spike. In integral form, it is represented as ∫δ(x-a)dx = 1.

What is the physical significance of the Dirac Delta Function?

The Dirac Delta Function has several physical interpretations, depending on the context in which it is used. In physics, it is often used to represent a point mass or charge, where the mass or charge is concentrated at a single point. In signal processing, it is used to represent an impulse or instantaneous change in a system.

Is the Dirac Delta Function a continuous or discontinuous function?

The Dirac Delta Function is a discontinuous function, as it is defined as being infinite at a single point and zero everywhere else. However, it is often treated as a continuous function in mathematical calculations, as it is often integrated over a range of values.

What are some applications of the Dirac Delta Function?

The Dirac Delta Function has a wide range of applications in physics, engineering, and mathematics. Some examples include representing point masses or charges in physics, modeling impulse responses in signal processing, and solving differential equations in mathematics. It is also used in Fourier analysis and as a basis for other distributions in functional analysis.

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