When Are Definite Integrals Considered Functionals?

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Definite integrals are considered functionals when they map a set of functions to real numbers, as illustrated by examples of mechanical work and entropy change. For mechanical work, the force must be a function of the independent variable, while for entropy change, absolute temperature must relate to heat. The discussion raises the question of whether the absence of dependence on a variable and its derivative affects the classification as a functional. It concludes that while this may complicate deriving Euler-Lagrange equations, it does not fundamentally disqualify the integrals from being functionals. The definition of 'functional' remains broad and adaptable to various contexts.
jamie.j1989
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Taken from Emmy Noether's wonderful theorem by Dwight. E Neuenschwander. Page 28

1. Homework Statement

Under what circumstances are these definite integrals functionals;
a) Mechanical work as a particle moves from position a to position b, while acted upon by a force F.

$$W=\int_a^b\boldsymbol{F}\bullet d\boldsymbol{r},\qquad (1)$$

b) The Entropy change ##\Delta S##, in terms of heat ##dQ## added to a system at absolute temperature T, for a change of thermodynamic state from a to b.

$$\Delta S=\int_a^b\frac{dQ}{T},\qquad (2)$$

Homework Equations


A functional ##\Gamma## is a mapping of a well defined set of functions onto the real numbers. And is given by the definite integral

$$\Gamma=\int_a^bL(q^\mu,\dot{q}^\mu,t)dt,\qquad (3)$$
Where L is the Lagrangian of the functional and the label ##\mu## on the generalised coordinates ##q## distinguishes between N dependent variables.

The Attempt at a Solution


For a). From the above definition of ##\Gamma## we can compare (1) and (3), if the force F is compared to the Lagrangian in the functional then it needs to be a function of the independent variable r ?

And similarly for b), if the absolute temperature of the system in (2) is a function of the heat then the definite integral is a functional?

Is it an issue if they aren't functions of a dependent variable ##q## and it's first derivative ##q'## with respect to the independent variable?
 
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jamie.j1989 said:
Is it an issue if they aren't functions of a dependent variable q and it's first derivative q' with respect to the independent variable?
In general I don't think so, but it would be hard to get Euler-Lagrange equations then, if the form is not simple.
The definition of 'functional' is quite general. E.g. see:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_(mathematics)
 
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