The discussion centers on the relationship between particle motion and wave phenomena, specifically addressing how heat diffusion relates to wave motion. Participants explore various types of waves, including mechanical and electromagnetic waves, emphasizing the ordered motion of particles in wave propagation. The conversation highlights the importance of media properties, such as density and elasticity, in wave behavior and introduces mathematical models like the Korteweg–De Vries equation for analyzing surface waves. Key distinctions are made between classical and quantum wave theories, particularly regarding electromagnetic waves.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in physics, particularly those interested in wave mechanics, thermodynamics, and mathematical modeling of physical phenomena.
You have Planck's law? Apologies this is level I so my ref was probably not very usefulaccdd said:Heat diffusion is caused by randomly moving particles. So there is a connection between the diffusion equation and the statistical motion of particles. Is there something similar for waves?
What kind of waves? One could discuss electromagnetic waves, or mechanical waves, and even with mechanical, we can discuss longitudinal waves, shear waves, surface waves, all of which depend on the media through which the waves propagate, the physcial (density) and mechanical (elastic) properties of that media. It's reflects the propagation or dispersion of momentum and energy from the excitation, a thermal pulse, a mechanical impulse, or a more sustained excitation, e.g., wind on the surface of water (or gas on a liquid). We could discuss acoustical sound waves, or ultrasonic waves, or shock waves, the latter being very complicated.accdd said:Heat diffusion is caused by randomly moving particles. So there is a connection between the diffusion equation and the statistical motion of particles. Is there something similar for waves?
accdd said:What I mean is: is it possible to do something like this: "" -min 3- with waves?
Electromagnetic waves are classical waves. There is nothing quantum about them until you want to quantize the EM field.anuttarasammyak said:In classical physics waves require motions of substances, e.g. motion pattern of soils in different places for earthquake, sea water molecules for tsunami, air gas molecules for sound waves. Can you imagine waves without these substances motions ? ( QM waves including EM waves have another foundation.)