Green's function? Physical interpretation?

In summary, the Green's function is a mathematical tool used to understand the physical interpretation of a system's response to a disturbance, such as a point source or an impulse driving force. It can be applied in various contexts, such as electrostatics, fluid dynamics, and solid structures, to visualize the effect of a source on different points in the domain. For example, in electrostatics, the Green's function can be used to calculate the electric potential due to a point charge. Other examples include the response of surface waves on a fluid to a rain drop or the radiation from a point source with sinusoidal variation. In solid structures, the Green's function can describe the response to the hit of a hammer.
  • #1
umerfarooque
2
0
Green's function?? Physical interpretation??

Hi friends..

Can anyone help me to understand the physical interpretation of the green's function with help of some physical application example such as that from electrostatic?? I am unable to understand what is meant by linear operator in green functions equation? Response of the system to a disturbance?? Source density etc...
 
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  • #3
Green's function visualizes the effect of source concentrated at a point on different points of the domain
 
  • #4
One may think of a Green's function as the response of a system i.e., the effect due to a unit cause.
 
  • #5
As others have said, it is the physical system response to an impulse driving force. In addition to Wiemster's example

1. For the wave equation that describes surface waves on a fluid, the Green's function would be a good approximation of the result of a rain drop hitting the surface

2. The Green's function of the Helholtz equation describes the radiation from a point source with sinusoidal variation

3. In solid structures, the Green's function would describe the response to the hit of a hammer (such tests with hammers are sometimes done in real life!)

jason
 

Related to Green's function? Physical interpretation?

1. What is a Green's function?

A Green's function is a mathematical concept used in physics and engineering to solve differential equations. It represents the response of a system to a point source or impulse.

2. How is a Green's function used in physics?

In physics, Green's functions are used to find solutions to differential equations that describe physical phenomena, such as the propagation of waves or the behavior of particles. They allow us to calculate the response of a system to an external force or disturbance.

3. What is the physical interpretation of a Green's function?

The physical interpretation of a Green's function is that it represents the influence of a point source or impulse on a system. It is also known as the impulse response or point spread function.

4. How is a Green's function related to the concept of causality?

Green's functions are closely related to the concept of causality in physics. They can only describe the response of a system to events that have already occurred, and cannot predict the future behavior of a system.

5. Can Green's functions be used for any type of system?

Green's functions can be used for many different types of systems, including classical, quantum, and statistical systems. They are a powerful tool for solving complex physical problems and have applications in a wide range of fields, including electromagnetism, fluid mechanics, and quantum mechanics.

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