What is the significance of the Kronecker Delta subscript in integration?

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In summary, the Kronecker Delta function is a mathematical function that has a value of 1 when its subscripts are equal and 0 when they are not. This was seen in an assignment for a Mathematical Methods course where the function was used in an integral equation. The lecturer, who is a fan of Mathematica, did not make any corrections to the use of the function in the lecture. Its use was not necessary for the course, but it is defined as 1 when (m+n) = 0 and 0 otherwise.
  • #1
theperthvan
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the Kronecker Delta function is
What does it mean when the subscript is not i,j but i+j?
 

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  • #2
where did you see this with i+j?
 
  • #3
It was in an assignment.
I wanted to post the whole question but have no idea how to use latex that well (only basic).
If you can get this, it was:
Show that:
Integrate[e^(ix(m+n)),{x,0,2pi}] = 2pi*delta(m+n)


the LHS should vaguely resemble a Mathematica input and the RHS (m+n) should be subscript.
I thought it might be a mistake in his notes but in the lecture he made no correction.
We haven't learned this function, but this is a 2nd year course on Mathematical Methods and the lecturer is in love with Mathematica. If it were a person I reckon he would marry it. so knowledge of the function wasn't rea;;y necessary.
 
  • #4
In this case, it means 1 when (m+n) = 0 and 0 otherwise.
 
  • #5
Integrate[e^(ix(m+n)),{x,0,2pi}] = 2pi*delta(m+n)
[tex]\int_0^{2\pi} e^{ix(m+n)} dx= 2\pi \delta_{m+n}[/tex]
(click on the equation to see the code)

If m+n is not 0, then the integral is
[tex]-\frac{i}{m+n}e^{ix(m+n)}[/tex]
evaluated from 0 to [itex]2\pi[/itex]. But [itex]e^{ix(m+n)}[/itex] is 0 at both 0 and [itex]2\pi[/itex] so the integral is 0.

If m+n= 0 then the integral is
[tex]\int_0^{2\pi}dx= 2\pi[tex]

Yep, it looks like that "delta" should be "1 if m+n= 0, 0 otherwise".
 

FAQ: What is the significance of the Kronecker Delta subscript in integration?

What is the Kronecker Delta subscript?

The Kronecker Delta subscript, also known as the Kronecker delta function, is a mathematical function used to represent the discrete delta function in the context of summation notation. It is typically denoted by the symbol δij, where i and j are indices.

What are the properties of the Kronecker Delta subscript?

There are several properties of the Kronecker Delta subscript, including:
- δij = 0 if i ≠ j
- δii = 1
- δij = δji (symmetry property)
- δijδjk = δik (associative property)
- δijδkl = δilδjk (commutative property)
- δijδijδij... (repeated indices can be summed)

How is the Kronecker Delta subscript used in physics?

In physics, the Kronecker Delta subscript is often used to represent the Kronecker delta function, which is a discrete version of the Dirac delta function. It is used in various equations and calculations, such as in quantum mechanics and Einstein's field equations in general relativity.

What is the relationship between the Kronecker Delta subscript and the Levi-Civita symbol?

The Kronecker Delta subscript and the Levi-Civita symbol are related in that they both represent discrete mathematical functions. The Levi-Civita symbol is often used to represent the epsilon tensor in multivariable calculus, while the Kronecker Delta subscript is used to represent the delta function in summation notation. They are related by the equation δij = εijkεklm, where i,j,k are indices and repeated indices are summed over.

Can the Kronecker Delta subscript be extended to higher dimensions?

Yes, the Kronecker Delta subscript can be extended to higher dimensions by simply adding more indices. For example, in three dimensions, it would be denoted by δijkl and in four dimensions by δijklm. The properties of the Kronecker Delta subscript still hold for higher dimensions.

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