What would the new limits be for this integral?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Xyius
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral Limits
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The integral under discussion is \int_{0}^{∞} r e^{-\frac{1}{2 r_0}(r-i r_0^2 q)^2}dr. The substitution u=r-i r_0^2 q leads to confusion regarding the limits of integration. The upper limit remains , while the lower limit becomes -i r_0^2 q, which poses a challenge for Gaussian integration due to its complex nature. To resolve this, it is recommended to separate the integrand into real and imaginary components before applying the substitution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gaussian integrals
  • Familiarity with complex numbers in calculus
  • Knowledge of substitution methods in integration
  • Basic principles of real and imaginary parts of functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Gaussian integral properties and applications
  • Learn about complex analysis and its implications in integration
  • Explore substitution techniques in advanced calculus
  • Investigate the separation of real and imaginary parts in integrals
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and mathematics, particularly those dealing with complex integrals and Gaussian functions.

Xyius
Messages
501
Reaction score
4
I am working on an physics problem and it has boiled down to this integral.

[tex]\int_{0}^{∞} r e^{-\frac{1}{2 r_0}(r-i r_0^2 q)^2}dr[/tex]

I found that if I make the substitution ##u=r-i r_0^2 q##, then I can do the integration, but I am a little confused about what the limits would be in terms of u. Normally I would just replace u with its expression in terms of r, but one of the integrals turns out being a gaussian integral and thus, doesn't have an indefinite form.

I have for the upper limit to be ∞, but the lower limit is ##-i r_0^2 q##. This lower limit obviously will not work for the gaussian integral. Plus it doesn't make sense to me, a negative, complex radial limit?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Xyius said:
I am working on an physics problem and it has boiled down to this integral.

[tex]\int_{0}^{∞} r e^{-\frac{1}{2 r_0}(r-i r_0^2 q)^2}dr[/tex]

I found that if I make the substitution ##u=r-i r_0^2 q##, then I can do the integration, but I am a little confused about what the limits would be in terms of u. Normally I would just replace u with its expression in terms of r, but one of the integrals turns out being a gaussian integral and thus, doesn't have an indefinite form.

$$\int_a^b f(x)dx = \int_{u(a)}^{u(b)}g(u)du$$

I have for the upper limit to be ∞, but the lower limit is ##-i r_0^2 q##. This lower limit obviously will not work for the gaussian integral. Plus it doesn't make sense to me, a negative, complex radial limit?

I see... perhaps the way to make sense of it for you is to separate the integrand into real and imaginary parts before you do the substitution.

You can also consider that u is not a radius.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K