- #1
mathben
- 1
- 0
Pourquoi une onde plane n'a pas de réalité physique
Ondes Planes : Explication et Signification
- Context: Graduate
- Thread starter mathben
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Planes
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
Plane waves, such as the mathematical representation ##\cos x##, lack physical reality due to their infinite extension in the y and z directions. However, they serve as effective approximations in various scenarios and simplify the analysis of more complex waveforms. The key advantage of plane waves lies in their ability to represent any real wave packet through Fourier decompositions, utilizing Fourier series and transforms for accurate modeling.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of wave mechanics
- Familiarity with Fourier series
- Knowledge of Fourier transforms
- Basic mathematical skills in trigonometry
- Study the principles of wave mechanics
- Explore Fourier series and their applications
- Learn about Fourier transforms in signal processing
- Investigate the limitations of plane waves in physical modeling
Students and professionals in physics, engineers working with wave phenomena, and anyone interested in mathematical modeling of waves will benefit from this discussion.
- #2
BvU
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 16,219
- 4,934
Hello Ben, 
A plane wave such as ##\cos x## has no physical reality because it goes on to infinity in the y and z directions. It is, hoewever, a very good approximation in many situations, and easier to deal with than a representation of a more realistic wave.
A plane wave such as ##\cos x## has no physical reality because it goes on to infinity in the y and z directions. It is, hoewever, a very good approximation in many situations, and easier to deal with than a representation of a more realistic wave.
- #3
- 24,488
- 15,059
The most important feature of plane waves is that you can represent any real wave packet in terms of Fourier decompositions of plane waves (Fourier series and transforms).