Multivariable Delta Function Integral

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SUMMARY

The integral in question is \int \delta (( \frac{p^{2}}{2m} + Cz ) - E ) p^{2} dp dz, where E, m, and C are constants. To solve this, one must first understand how to scale a delta function, specifically using the property δ(a*x)=1/a*δ(x). The recommended approach is to integrate with respect to z first, treating the other variables as constants, which simplifies the process significantly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of delta functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of multivariable calculus
  • Familiarity with integration techniques in two dimensions
  • Basic concepts of physics related to energy and momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of delta functions in detail, including scaling and shifting
  • Learn techniques for integrating multivariable functions, focusing on iterated integrals
  • Explore applications of delta functions in physics, particularly in quantum mechanics
  • Practice solving integrals involving delta functions with multiple variables
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics or advanced calculus, will benefit from this discussion. It is also valuable for mathematicians focusing on integration techniques involving delta functions.

bologna121121
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Homework Statement


I have to find this integral:

\int \delta (( \frac{p^{2}}{2m} + Cz ) - E ) p^{2} dp dz

where E, m, and C can be considered to be constants.

Homework Equations



I'm semi-familiar with delta functions, i.e. i know that:

\int \delta (x - a) dx = 1

and that you can usually change the variable of integration to match the variable in the delta function, if it's not written explicitly as above.

The Attempt at a Solution



My problem is that I don't really know how to work with this in two dimensions, with both variables appearing inside the delta function. I thought maybe there might be a way to split it into two different delta functions, with one variable appearing in each? But this is just a guess, and I can't really find any supporting evidence. Thanks in advance.
 
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bologna121121 said:

Homework Statement


I have to find this integral:

\int \delta (( \frac{p^{2}}{2m} + Cz ) - E ) p^{2} dp dz

where E, m, and C can be considered to be constants.

Homework Equations



I'm semi-familiar with delta functions, i.e. i know that:

\int \delta (x - a) dx = 1

and that you can usually change the variable of integration to match the variable in the delta function, if it's not written explicitly as above.

The Attempt at a Solution



My problem is that I don't really know how to work with this in two dimensions, with both variables appearing inside the delta function. I thought maybe there might be a way to split it into two different delta functions, with one variable appearing in each? But this is just a guess, and I can't really find any supporting evidence. Thanks in advance.

First you need to know how to scale a delta function, i.e., δ(a*x)=1/a*δ(x); then you integrate z first, and treat everything else as constants, the result is very simple.
 
Ah...I guess that's pretty obvious. Thank you very much.
 

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