Need help to find application of the Fourier series and Fourier Transforms

AI Thread Summary
Fourier series and Fourier transforms have numerous applications across various fields. They are essential in mp3 encoding, electronics, and quantum mechanics. Additionally, Fourier series are crucial in solving partial differential equations such as the wave equation and diffusion equation. Truncated Fourier series provide optimal approximations of functions over intervals using sine and cosine basis vectors. Lord Kelvin famously utilized Fourier transforms to estimate the Earth's age, demonstrating their significance in scientific calculations.
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Hi, i got a task in school, in which I shall find as many application of the Fourier series And Fourier Transforms as possible. Any suggestion?

Kindly Paul-Martin
 
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mp3 encoding is 1 example of Fourier transform
 
heat diffusion is the reason why Fourier came up with the Fourier series in the first place! :biggrin:


lots of applications in electronics.

fourier transform is used in quantum mechanics.

also, Fourier series come up in solutions to partial differential equations like the wave equation, laplace's equation, diffusion equation, etc.
 
Intresting
 
From a Linear Algebra standpoint, truncated Fourier series are the best approximation to a function over an interval. (from a subspace defined by basis vectors sinx,cosx,...sin(nx),cos(mx).
So take the first few terms, and you have a good approximation.
 
K thank you!

Any more suggestions?
 
Lord Kelvin use Fourier transforms to calculate the age of the earth. :smile:
 
quasar987 said:
Lord Kelvin use Fourier transforms to calculate the age of the earth. :smile:

Really, could you tell me how he did that?
 
when you want to obtain the response of a system to a input while you have the response to a sine function you could expand input function using Fourier series and by superposition law obtain the response to the input function.
 
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