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Greens Function Examples

Green's function is a mathematical tool for solving linear differential equations with boundary or initial conditions, defined as the solution to L G(x, xi) = delta(x - xi). It expresses the solution of inhomogeneous equations as u(x) = integral[G(x, xi) f(xi) dxi], where G encodes the system's response to a point source. Key properties include linearity, symmetry, and adherence to boundary conditions, with applications in fields like electrostatics, quantum mechanics, and wave equations.

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128 views3 pages

Greens Function Examples

Green's function is a mathematical tool for solving linear differential equations with boundary or initial conditions, defined as the solution to L G(x, xi) = delta(x - xi). It expresses the solution of inhomogeneous equations as u(x) = integral[G(x, xi) f(xi) dxi], where G encodes the system's response to a point source. Key properties include linearity, symmetry, and adherence to boundary conditions, with applications in fields like electrostatics, quantum mechanics, and wave equations.

Uploaded by

usmanwaheedhere
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Green's Function: Theory and Examples

Green's function is a powerful mathematical tool used in solving differential equations, especially

linear differential

equations with boundary or initial conditions. It is widely used in physics, engineering, and applied

mathematics.

Definition of Green's Function

The Green's function G(x, xi) for a linear differential operator L is defined as the solution to the

equation:

L G(x, xi) = delta(x - xi)

where:

- L is the differential operator (e.g., L = d^2/dx^2 - k^2 for a second-order differential equation),

- delta(x - xi) is the Dirac delta function,

- x is the variable of the differential equation, and xi is the source point.

Purpose of Green's Function

The purpose of Green's function is to express the solution u(x) of an inhomogeneous linear

differential equation:

L u(x) = f(x),

where f(x) is a given source term. The solution can be written as:
u(x) = integral[G(x, xi) f(xi) dxi],

where G(x, xi) encodes the response of the system to a point source located at xi.

Properties of Green's Function

1. Linearity: Green's function applies to linear operators.

2. Symmetry: For many physical systems, G(x, xi) = G(xi, x).

3. Boundary Conditions: The Green's function must satisfy the same boundary conditions as the

original differential equation.

Examples of Green's Function in Physics

1. Electrostatics (Poisson's Equation):

For grad^2(phi) = -rho, where phi is the potential and rho is the charge density, the Green's

function is:

G(r, r') = 1 / (4 * pi * |r - r'|).

The potential is then:

phi(r) = integral[G(r, r') rho(r') dr'].

2. Quantum Mechanics (Schrodinger Equation):

In time-independent quantum mechanics, Green's function can be used to solve for wave

functions psi(x).

3. Wave Equation:

For the wave equation (partial^2 u / partial t^2) - c^2 * grad^2(u) = f(x, t), Green's function allows
the calculation of the wave response to a source.

Step-by-Step Method for Finding Green's Function

1. Set Up the Problem:

Define the operator L and the domain of the problem.

2. Solve the Homogeneous Equation:

Find the general solution L u(x) = 0.

3. Find the Particular Solution:

Determine G(x, xi) such that L G(x, xi) = delta(x - xi).

4. Apply Boundary Conditions:

Ensure G(x, xi) satisfies the boundary conditions of the problem.

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