Undergrad Use of the density function in physics

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The discussion focuses on the application of density functions in physics, particularly in relation to continuous groups and invariant measures. Participants express a need for clearer examples and applications of these concepts, particularly in the context of Group Theory and Hilbert spaces. There's a call for specific instances where these mathematical ideas are utilized in physical theories. The conversation highlights a gap in understanding and the desire for concrete calculations or examples from relevant textbooks. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of bridging mathematical concepts with their physical applications.
kent davidge
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For continuos groups one introduces a density function for an invariant measure when summing over the group elements.

I learned a little about these concepts in a pure mathematical book.

I was thinking about their utility in physics.. I know they probably do.. What physical areas could these concepts be used in?
 
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Your are very vague. Don't be lazy, give some more information and/or examples.
 
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martinbn said:
Your are very vague. Don't be lazy, give some more information and/or examples.
but I really don't know of any examples, that's why I'm asking for them.
 
Ok, but it is not clear what you are talking about. Can you at least tell us which book?
 
I think you're asking a question about Group Theory and I suspect that there may be an answer to your question in connection with Hilbert spaces, which are very important in physics.

An example of a group you've been given, and an invariant measure, and what a "sum over the group elements" entails, would be useful. Surely some example was given in your textbook. Surely they actually did a calculation when they introduced these things. So show us that calculation.
 
I am studying the mathematical formalism behind non-commutative geometry approach to quantum gravity. I was reading about Hopf algebras and their Drinfeld twist with a specific example of the Moyal-Weyl twist defined as F=exp(-iλ/2θ^(μν)∂_μ⊗∂_ν) where λ is a constant parametar and θ antisymmetric constant tensor. {∂_μ} is the basis of the tangent vector space over the underlying spacetime Now, from my understanding the enveloping algebra which appears in the definition of the Hopf algebra...

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