Plotting the approximation of the Dirac delta function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the approximation of the Dirac delta function and its graphical representation using Mathematica. Participants are exploring the concept of normalization in relation to the area under the curve of the plotted functions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the correctness of their plots and the meaning of normalization in this context. They question whether the area under the curve for specific intervals should equal 1 and how this relates to their normalization constant.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on the normalization concept, clarifying that the integral of the function over the specified range should equal 1. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the area under the curve and the implications for the normalization constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of the parameter epsilon and its effect on the area under the curve, as well as the expectations for the plots in relation to the Dirac delta function.

Lambda96
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Homework Statement
Plot ##g^{\epsilon}(x)## for ##\epsilon=1## , ##\epsilon=\frac{1}{2}## and ##\epsilon=\frac{1}{4}##
Relevant Equations
none
Hi,

I am not sure if I have solved the following task correctly

Bildschirmfoto 2024-01-15 um 16.34.11.png


I did the plotting in mathematica and got the following

Bildschirmfoto 2024-01-15 um 16.48.02.png

Would the plots be correct? What is meant by check for normalization, is the following meant?

For the approximation for ##\epsilon > 0##, does it mean that for the area of ## 0 < x < \epsilon## the area must be 1, so for the case ##\epsilon=1## the total area would be 1, the half for ## 0 < x < \epsilon## would then be ##\frac{1}{2}##, so the normalization constant should be 2?
 
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To sketch usually means to draw by hand. Is this behavior that you expected? Look at the formula. Between minus epsilon and +epsilon, what is the function doing (does it change with x)?

Normalization refers to the area under the "curve" equal to 1 over the entire spectrum. Do these graphs satisfy that?
 
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Lambda96 said:
Would the plots be correct?
Yes, those plots look correct.
Lambda96 said:
What is meant by check for normalization, is the following meant?
It means to check that the integral is 1.
Lambda96 said:
For the approximation for ##\epsilon > 0##, does it mean that for the area of ## 0 < x < \epsilon## the area must be 1,
No. It means that the area of ##- \epsilon < x < \epsilon ## must be 1.
Lambda96 said:
so for the case ##\epsilon=1## the total area would be 1, the half for ## 0 < x < \epsilon## would then be ##\frac{1}{2}##, so the normalization constant should be 2?
No. No further normalization is needed. The area between each graph and the x axis is already 1.
 
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Thank you scottdave and FactChecker for your help 👍👍
 
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