Conjugate variables in the Fourier and Legendre transforms

In summary, in quantum mechanics, position ##\textbf{r}## and momentum ##\textbf{p}## are conjugate variables related by the Fourier transform. In Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, ##\textbf{x}## and ##\textbf{x}^*## are Legendre conjugates, with ##\textbf{x}^*## representing the slope of the tangent line at ##f(\textbf{x})##. This equivalence may not be obvious, but there is a mathematical basis for substituting ##\textbf{r}## and ##\textbf{p}## in place of ##\textbf{x}## and ##\textbf{x}^*##.
  • #1
redtree
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In quantum mechanics, position ##\textbf{r}## and momentum ##\textbf{p}## are conjugate variables given their relationship via the Fourier transform. In transforming via the Legendre transform between Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, where ##f^*(\textbf{x}^*)=\sup[\langle \textbf{x}, \textbf{x}^*\rangle - f(\textbf{x}) ]##, ##\textbf{x}## and ##\textbf{x}^*## are Legendre conjugates. Furthermore, ##\textbf{x}^*## is often described as the slope of the tangent line at ##f(\textbf{x})##.

In physics, the conjugate relationship between ##\textbf{r}## and ##\textbf{p}## is considered equivalent to the conjugate relationship ##\textbf{x}## and ##\textbf{x}^*## such that for the Legendre transform between the Lagrangian and the Hamiltonian ##\textbf{r}## and ##\textbf{p}## are used in place of ##\textbf{x}## and ##\textbf{x}^*##. To me at least, this equivalence is not at all obvious.

What is the mathematical basis for this substitution?

In other words, are both the following true for the same variables, and if so, under what conditions?
##\mathscr{F}[g(\textbf{r})]=G(\textbf{p})##
And
##f^*(\textbf{r})=\sup[\langle \textbf{r}, \textbf{p}\rangle - f(\textbf{p}) ]##
 
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  • #2
Please ignore the post. I see a mistake.
 

1. What are conjugate variables in the Fourier and Legendre transforms?

In the Fourier and Legendre transforms, conjugate variables are pairs of variables that are related to each other through a mathematical operation known as a transform. These variables are typically denoted as x and y, and they have a special relationship where the transformation of one variable results in the other variable.

2. What is the role of conjugate variables in these transforms?

In the Fourier and Legendre transforms, conjugate variables play a crucial role in describing the relationship between different types of functions. They are used to convert functions from one domain to another, allowing us to better understand the behavior of a system or function.

3. How do the Fourier and Legendre transforms relate to each other?

The Fourier and Legendre transforms are both mathematical tools used to convert functions from one domain to another. However, they have different applications and are used for different types of functions. The Fourier transform is used for periodic functions, while the Legendre transform is used for non-periodic functions.

4. Can you give an example of conjugate variables in the Fourier and Legendre transforms?

One example of conjugate variables in the Fourier and Legendre transforms is the position and momentum of a particle in classical mechanics. In this case, the Fourier transform converts the position function into the momentum function, and the Legendre transform converts the momentum function back into the position function.

5. How are conjugate variables used in practical applications?

Conjugate variables are used in a wide range of practical applications, including signal processing, image and sound processing, and quantum mechanics. They are essential for understanding the behavior of systems and functions in different domains and are used in various fields of science and engineering.

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