How Can I Integrate with Dirac Delta in this Expression?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating an expression involving the Dirac delta function, specifically in the context of the integral I = ∫0∞ dk ∫0∞ P(k,w) dw, where P(k, w) = A * δ(w-k*v) * f(k, w). Participants are exploring the implications of the delta function on the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest considering the order of integration and how the delta function affects the integration limits. Others question the treatment of variables k and w, particularly regarding their dependence on each other in the context of the delta function.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different approaches to the integration, including the order of integration and the implications of the delta function. Some guidance has been offered regarding variable substitutions and the sampling characteristic of the delta function, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the treatment of the delta function and the relationship between k and w, with some participants expressing uncertainty about how to proceed with the integration.

Ado
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Homework Statement



I need to integrate this expression :

P(k, w) = A * δ(w-k*v) * f(k, w)

A is constant and δ, Dirac Delta.

Homework Equations


[/B]
There is double integration :

I = ∫0 dk ∫0 P(k,w) dw
= A ∫∫0 δ(w-k*v) * f(k, w) dw dk

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I'm confused with Delta Dirac for calculating this integral.

Let us proceed the w-variable integration firstly. Since the δ-term impose w = k*v, we need to calculate :
0 f(k=w/v, w) dw
But after that, there is no longer any k-dependence...

Of course I'm wrong.. can you explain me how to proceed ??

Thanks in advance !
 
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I believe you could do the integration in either order, ## dk ## or ## d \omega ## first. The delta function should get removed with the first integration, and both methods should give the same answer. When doing the ## dk ## integration first, I believe the factor ## v ## will affect the delta function, and the substitution ## u=vk ## would be useful. ## \\ ## Suggestion: Try something such as ## \int\limits_{0}^{+\infty} \int\limits_{0}^{+\infty} \exp(-\omega^2) \, \delta(\omega-vk) \, d \omega \, dk ##. When you do the ## dk ## integration first, nothing happens to the ## \omega ## in the exponential, since any ## k ## term would get converted, but ## \omega ## terms are unaffected. And yes, to get agreement with the answer where you do the ## d \omega ## first, you need the substitution ## u=vk ## when doing ## dk ## first. With this substitution, ## dk=\frac{du}{v} ##, and the delta function with the ## du ## integration integrates to unity. ## \\ ## The process when the ## d \omega ## integration is performed first is a little more straightforward. ## \\ ## (Note: Here we let ## f(k, \omega)=\exp(-\omega^2) ## with no ## k ## dependence).
 
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Ado said:

Homework Statement


I need to integrate this expression :
P(k, w) = A * δ(w-k*v) * f(k, w)
A is constant and δ, Dirac Delta.

Homework Equations


There is double integration :
I = ∫0 dk ∫0 P(k,w) dw
= A ∫∫0 δ(w-k*v) * f(k, w) dw dk

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm confused with Delta Dirac for calculating this integral.
Let us proceed the w-variable integration firstly. Since the δ-term impose w = k*v, we need to calculate :
0 f(k=w/v, w) dw
You're forcing w to be a function of k but this is not right. k and w are both variables. Go
I = A ∫ ∫ f(k,w) δ(w - kv) dw dk
Sampling characteristic of the delta function leads to
I = A ∫f(k, w=kv)dk
provided (lower limit of integration) < kv < (upper limit of integration) over w.
 
You are right rude man, thank's for your help :)
 
Ado said:
You are right rude man, thank's for your help :)
Most welcome!
 

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