The discussion revolves around the interpretation of subscripts in mathematical expressions encountered in an undergraduate optics physics course. Participants explore the meanings of specific subscripts in the context of functions and derivatives, particularly focusing on expressions related to wave functions and electromagnetic fields.
Participants generally agree on the interpretation of the first expression regarding the partial derivative, but there is uncertainty about the implications of the subscripts in both expressions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader meanings and contexts of these subscripts.
Participants note that the meanings of subscripts can depend heavily on the specific context in which they are used, indicating a need for more information to provide definitive interpretations.
The first expression after looking it up states that the this is the partial derivative of a wave function with respect to t, holding the x constant. Hence, I presume that he subscript here means that variable is held constant.Nugatory said:You will get better answers of you can tell us more about exactly where you found these expressions and how they're being used. I and many other people here could make some good guesses, but these subscripts are often used with meanings that are only clear in context... So we need that context to give you more than guesses.
shanepitts said:The first expression after looking it up states that the this is the partial derivative of a wave function with respect to t, holding the x constant. Hence, I presume that he subscript here means that variable is held constant.