Use of the density function in physics

In summary, the conversation discusses the concepts of continuous groups and their utility in physics. The speaker mentions learning about these concepts in a mathematical book and being unsure of their application in physics. Examples and calculations are requested to clarify the discussion.
  • #1
kent davidge
933
56
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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  • #2
Your are very vague. Don't be lazy, give some more information and/or examples.
 
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Likes jim mcnamara
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
Ok, but it is not clear what you are talking about. Can you at least tell us which book?
 
  • #5
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.
 

1. What is the density function in physics?

The density function in physics is a mathematical tool used to describe the distribution of matter within a given volume. It is often denoted as ρ (rho) and is defined as the mass of a substance per unit volume.

2. How is the density function used in physics?

The density function is used in various areas of physics, such as fluid mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. It allows us to calculate important properties such as mass, volume, and pressure of a substance, which are crucial in understanding the behavior of physical systems.

3. What is the equation for density function?

The equation for density function is ρ = m/V, where ρ is density, m is mass, and V is volume. This equation shows that density is directly proportional to mass and inversely proportional to volume.

4. How is the density function related to specific gravity?

The density function and specific gravity are related through the equation ρ = ρ0 x SG, where ρ0 is the density of a reference substance and SG is the specific gravity. This equation allows us to compare the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water.

5. What are some real-life applications of the density function in physics?

The density function has many practical applications, such as determining the buoyancy of objects in water, calculating the mass and volume of a substance for manufacturing purposes, and understanding the behavior of fluids in pipelines and pumps. It is also crucial in fields like geology and oceanography for studying the composition of different materials.

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