A Gaussian question

astrofysikern · #1 $Old$ May 19th, 2009, 05:53 AM

Hi,

What is the difference between the Gaussian function and the Gaussian distribution? Which one would represent the line profile of a spectral line?

Thanks!

CaptainBlack · #2 $Old$ May 19th, 2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrofysikern $View Post$

Hi,

What is the difference between the Gaussian function and the Gaussian distribution? Which one would represent the line profile of a spectral line?

Thanks!

As the Gaussian distribution is normalised so that its integral from -inft to +inft is one, you will want the Gaussian function where its height is a free parameter.

CB