Graduate Integration using delta function and step function

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The integral involving the delta function and step function is under evaluation, with the expected answer being 1/ω. There is confusion regarding the steps taken, particularly in the manipulation of the delta function. A suggestion is made to change the variable to simplify the integral, but this leads to a different answer of 1/4ω. Clarification is provided that the treatment of the delta function in the calculations may be incorrect, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the properties of delta functions. The discussion suggests that this topic may be more appropriately addressed in a dedicated Relativity forum.
spaghetti3451
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I would like to evaluate the following integral:

##\displaystyle{\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dp^{0}\ \delta(p^{2}-m^{2})\ \theta(p^{0})}##

##\displaystyle{= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dp^{0}\ \delta[(p^{0})^{2}-\omega^{2}]\ \theta(p^{0})}##

##\displaystyle{= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dp^{0}\ \delta[(p^{0}+\omega)(p^{0}-\omega)]\ \theta(p^{0})}##

##\displaystyle{= \frac{1}{2\omega}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dp^{0}\ \delta[(p^{0}+\omega)+(p^{0}-\omega)]\ \theta(p^{0})}##

##\displaystyle{= \frac{1}{2\omega}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} dp^{0}\ \delta(2p^{0})\theta(p^{0})}##

Have I made a mistake somewhere?

The answer is supposed to be ##\frac{1}{\omega}## but I'm not sure how to proceed next.
 
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I don't follow some of your steps so far. But if you want to be able to get rid of the integral, try a change of variable, making the variable over which we are integrating ##u=2p^0##.

The integral can then be evaluated quite simply. However I then get the answer ##1/4\omega##, which is why I am wondering about your earlier steps.
 
Would you recommend me to post this on the Relativity forum?

This question is better suited for that forum.
 
<br /> \delta(x^2 - \alpha^2) = \frac{1}{2|\alpha|} \left[\delta(x-\alpha) + \delta(x+\alpha) \right] \neq \frac{1}{2|\alpha|} \left[\delta( (x-\alpha) + (x+\alpha)) \right]<br /> which is what you seem to have done.
Are you sure the answer is supposed to be ##1/\omega## and not ##1/2\omega## though?
 
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