What does the |-sign mean in this text?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Nikitin
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mean Text
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of the notation ##\vec{J}(r'|\omega)## in the context of physics, specifically in relation to the integrand reformulation in problem 3 a) of the TFY4240 exam. Participants clarify that the "|" symbol indicates a parametric dependence of the function ##\vec{J}## on the variable ##\omega##, akin to conditional probability. The notation serves to express that while ##\vec{J}## is evaluated at ##r'##, it is also influenced by the parameter ##\omega##, which is essential for understanding the function's behavior in the given context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector functions in physics, specifically ##\vec{J}(r,t)##.
  • Familiarity with conditional probability notation and its implications.
  • Knowledge of complex exponentials, particularly ##e^{i \omega t}##.
  • Basic grasp of parametric dependence in mathematical functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of parametric dependence in vector fields.
  • Study the role of conditional probability notation in physics and mathematics.
  • Explore the use of complex exponentials in wave functions and their applications.
  • Review the TFY4240 course materials for deeper insights into the exam problems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism or wave mechanics, as well as anyone interested in the mathematical notation used in physical contexts.

Nikitin
Messages
734
Reaction score
27
http://web.phys.ntnu.no/~ingves/Teaching/TFY4240/Exam/Exam_tfy4240_Dec_2013.pdf
solutions: http://web.phys.ntnu.no/~ingves/Teaching/TFY4240/Exam/Solution_tfy4240_Dec_2013.pdf

In problem 3 a) I'm supposed to reform the integrand from ##\vec{J}(r',t_r)## to something like ##\vec{J}(r'|\omega)##. In practice, one just extracts the ##t_r## dependent part of the function and writes what remains as ##\vec{J}(r'|\omega)##. But what does my professor mean with that ##"|"## bar? Why not just write the remaining part of the function as ##\vec{J}(r')##?

And excuse me if this is physics notation and not math notation.. In that case pls move this thread to the physics section!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The most general meaning that I know is "evaluated at" or, with super and subscripts, evaluated between. I know it best as indicating conditional probability.
 
I don't think it's evaluated at as the ##\omega## dependent part was taken out I think. oh well i guess I'll have to bother my prof and send him an email
 
I would interpret that to mean that ##\vec{J}## depends parametrically on ##\omega##.
 
That cannot be correct in my specific example. I think..
 
Nikitin said:
That cannot be correct in my specific example. I think..
Why?
 
Because in my example the only dependence ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t)## has on ##\omega## is thru ##e^{i \omega t}##, and ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t) = \vec{J}(\vec{r}|\omega) ~e^{i \omega t}## according to my professor. This is physics stuff though, not math.
 
Nikitin said:
Because in my example the only dependence ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t)## has on ##\omega## is thru ##e^{i \omega t}##, and ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t) = \vec{J}(\vec{r}|\omega) ~e^{i \omega t}## according to my professor.
That is not correct. You have that "the only dependence ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t)## has on ##t## is thru ##e^{i \omega t}##." This form for ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t)## is to give it an explicit dependence on ##t##, but it certainly doesn't mean that the prefactor is independent of ##\omega##.
 
DrClaude said:
That is not correct. You have that "the only dependence ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t)## has on ##t## is thru ##e^{i \omega t}##." This form for ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t)## is to give it an explicit dependence on ##t##, but it certainly doesn't mean that the prefactor is independent of ##\omega##.

How can that be the case? ##\vec{J}(\vec{r},t)## is given by ##I(t) = I_0 e^{i \omega t}## in the problem.
 
  • #10
He responded to my mail; it means the same as conditional probability, "r given omega " in this case.
 
  • #11
Nikitin said:
He responded to my mail; it means the same as conditional probability, "r given omega " in this case.
That's very unconventional. But it basically amounts to what I was saying: it means that ##\vec J## depends parametrically on ##\omega##.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K