Are wave phenomena related to PDEs or just physics?

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mathmari
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Hey! :o

Do you know if "Wave Phenomena" are related to PDE or only to physics?? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
Hey! :o

Do you know if "Wave Phenomena" are related to PDE or only to physics?? (Wondering)

There is a large class of PDE known as dispersive wave equations. These equations are usually studied qualitatively. For example, one seeks to determine if solutions propagate in finite time or if they exist globally. If you've studied quantum mechanics, then you've seen a dispersive equation -- the Schrödinger wave equation.
 
Euge said:
There is a large class of PDE known as dispersive wave equations. These equations are usually studied qualitatively. For example, one seeks to determine if solutions propagate in finite time or if they exist globally. If you've studied quantum mechanics, then you've seen a dispersive equation -- the Schrödinger wave equation.

Ok! Thank you for the information! (Yes)
 
I would definitely say that wave phenomena are definitely related to both fields. Waves are described using PDE's, so they're related to that field; on the other hand, you usually study waves as a separate topic in most first-year physics courses, as well as more advanced physics courses where you actually solve the PDE.