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.
Compare
Schrödinger equation.
Origin of wave equation
First recorded in 1925–30
Words nearby wave equation
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wave down,
wave election,
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wave front,
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wave moth
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
Scientific 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.