MathLiveWave equation
Describes how a wave field u(x,t) propagates through space and time at speed c, with the Laplacian giving the spatial curvature of the disturbance. It is used throughout physics for sound, light, water waves, and vibrating strings.
\frac{\partial^2 u}{\partial t^2} = c^2 \nabla^2 uWhat the symbols mean
| wave displacement or field amplitude as a function of position and time | |
| spatial position (vector) at which the field is evaluated (m) | |
| time (s) | |
| wave propagation speed (m/s) | |
| Laplacian operator with respect to spatial coordinates (m^-2) |
About this formula
- FieldPhysics
- TopicPartial differential equations
- LevelUniversity
- Also calledclassical wave equation, d'Alembert wave equation, second order wave equation, wave equation formula, linear wave equation, wave propagation equation
- SourceWikidata Q193846
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