Fourier transform missing 2pi?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Fourier transform, specifically the presence or absence of the factor of \( \frac{1}{2\pi} \) in the integral representation. Participants are exploring the definitions and conventions used in different contexts, such as physics and engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning why the \( \frac{1}{2\pi} \) factor appears in some examples but not in others. There is discussion about the incorporation of \( 2\pi \) into the exponential term and how different fields may define the Fourier transform differently.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the conventions used in defining Fourier transforms, noting that the absence of \( \frac{1}{2\pi} \) is typical in certain contexts. Others have expressed gratitude for the clarifications and are reflecting on their understanding of the material.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of variations in definitions between physics, engineering, and mathematics, which may lead to confusion regarding the presence of the \( \frac{1}{2\pi} \) factor. Participants are encouraged to check their sources for consistency.

philip041
Messages
104
Reaction score
0
I keep doing questions on Fourier transforms where the 1/2pi isn't there.

Example:

[tex] <br /> F\left[\frac{\partial^2u\left(x,y\right)}{\partial x^2}\right]<br /> [/tex]

for which I thought the next step would be

[tex] <br /> \[<br /> \frac{1}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}\frac{\partial^2u\left(x,y\right)}{\partial x^2} e^{-isx} dx<br /> \[<br /> [/tex]

but I keep finding it written in my answer booklet thing

[tex] <br /> \[<br /> \int^{\infty}_{-\infty}\frac{\partial^2u\left(x,y\right)}{\partial x^2} e^{-isx} dx<br /> \[<br /> [/tex]

I have found one example in my book where the 1/2pi appears, why does it not feature in these examples?

Cheers!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
philip041 said:
I keep doing questions on Fourier transforms where the 1/2pi isn't there.

Example:

[tex] <br /> F\left[\frac{\partial^2u\left(x,y\right)}{\partial x^2}\right]<br /> [/tex]

for which I thought the next step would be

[tex] <br /> \[<br /> \frac{1}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}\frac{\partial^2u\left(x,y\right)}{\partial x^2} e^{-isx} dx<br /> \[<br /> [/tex]

but I keep finding it written in my answer booklet thing

[tex] <br /> \[<br /> \int^{\infty}_{-\infty}\frac{\partial^2u\left(x,y\right)}{\partial x^2} e^{-isx} dx<br /> \[<br /> [/tex]

I have found one example in my book where the 1/2pi appears, why does it not feature in these examples?

Cheers!

Sometimes the 2pi is written on the outside like you did or sometimes it is incorporated into the exponential as [tex]e^{-2i\pi sx}[/tex] (substitution in the integrand then gets you from the 2pi in the expo to the outside). Make sure that it is of the same form in your book.
 
ok, i checked my book and there was no indication that 2pi was incorporated into the s but there was also nothing to say against it so thank you!
 
Typically the Fourier transform over "real space" variables (space and time, say) are defined without the factor of 1/2pi in them. It is the inverse transforms from frequency space (k and omega) that have the 1/2pi factors in them. (At least in physics - and engineering? Mathematicians may define the transforms symmetricly so that both the transform and inverse transform have a factor of [itex]1/\sqrt{2\pi}[/itex] out front.)
 
just looked at the question that i found with a 2pi in and what you said, (mute), makes a lot of sense cheers!
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K