wave equation
noun
Mathematics, Physics. any differential equation that describes the propagation of waves or other disturbances in a medium.
Physics. any of the fundamental equations of quantum mechanics whose solutions are possible wave functions of a particle.
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Nearby words
wave band, wave cyclone, wave down, wave election, wave energy, wave equation, wave farm, wave front, wave function, wave mechanics, wave moth
Compare Schrödinger equation.
Origin of wave equation
First recorded in 1925–30
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for wave equation
wave equation
noun
physics a partial differential equation describing wave motion. It has the form ∇²φ = (1/ c ²) × (∂²φ/∂ t ²), where ∇² is the Laplace operator, t the time, c the speed of propagation, and φ is a function characterizing the displacement of the wave
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Science definitions for wave equation
wave equation
A partial differential equation that describes the shape and movement of waves, given a set of boundary conditions (such as the initial shape of the wave, or the evolution of a force affecting the wave).
The fundamental equation of wave mechanics. See also Schrödinger's equation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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