Does dP_x dP_y = d^2\vec P : Integration scalar / vector var

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the differential forms of vector and scalar quantities in the context of integration, specifically questioning whether the product of differentials of the components of a vector, ##dP_x dP_y##, is equivalent to the differential of the vector itself, ##d^2 \vec P##. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether ##dP_x dP_y = d^2 \vec P##, noting that ##P_x## is a scalar component while ##\vec P## is a vector.
  • Another participant suggests that the equality is merely a matter of notation.
  • A participant presents an integral involving ##dP_x dP_y e^{-\vec{P}^2}## and explores the implications of treating the differentials as equivalent, leading to confusion about the results of the integrals.
  • The same participant expresses uncertainty about the conversion between the integrals of the components and the vector form, questioning the consistency of the results obtained.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the differentials are equivalent, and there is confusion regarding the integration results, indicating multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in understanding the relationship between vector and scalar differentials, as well as the conversion between their respective integrals, but does not resolve these issues.

binbagsss
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Excuse me if this is a bad question but:
Does ##d P_x d P_y = d^2 \vec P ##?
I thought not because ##P_x ## is a scalar , a component of the vector, whereas ##\vec P ## is a vector?
Thanks in advance
 
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I'd say they're equal, but this is merely notation, no?
 
mm I'm confused:

Say I have ##\int dP_x dP_y e^{-\vec{P}^2}##

if ##dP_x dP_y =d\vec P ##* then this is ## \int d\vec{P}e^{-\vec{P}^2}=\sqrt{\pi}##

Since ##\vec P^2## is a scalar I can do the integral working with the components ##dP_x## and ##dP_y## however had it not been and just been ##\vec{P}## I don't know how you convert the integral between ##dP_x dP_y## and ##d\vec P ##

So ##\int dP_x dP_y e^{-\vec{P}^2}=\int dP_x dP_y e^{-P_x^2-P_y^2}=\int dP_x e^{-P_x^2}\int dP_x e^{-P_y^2}=\sqrt{\pi}\sqrt{\pi}=\pi##

so using * these don't agree?
 
binbagsss said:
mm I'm confused:

Say I have ##\int dP_x dP_y e^{-\vec{P}^2}##

if ##dP_x dP_y =d\vec P ##* then this is ## \int d\vec{P}e^{-\vec{P}^2}=\sqrt{\pi}##

Since ##\vec P^2## is a scalar I can do the integral working with the components ##dP_x## and ##dP_y## however had it not been and just been ##\vec{P}## I don't know how you convert the integral between ##dP_x dP_y## and ##d\vec P ##

So ##\int dP_x dP_y e^{-\vec{P}^2}=\int dP_x dP_y e^{-P_x^2-P_y^2}=\int dP_x e^{-P_x^2}\int dP_x e^{-P_y^2}=\sqrt{\pi}\sqrt{\pi}=\pi##

so using * these don't agree?

anyone? What have I done wrong here?
Many thanks
 

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