List of equations in wave theory
This article summarizes equations in the theory of waves. Definitions General fundamental quantities A wave can be longitudinal where the oscillations are parallel (or antiparallel) to the propagation direction, or transverse where the oscillations are perpendicular to the propagation direction. These oscillations are characterized by a periodically time-varying displacement in the parallel or perpendicular direction, and so the instantaneous velocity and acceleration are also periodic and time varying in these directions. (the apparent motion of the wave due to the successive oscillations of particles or fields about their equilibrium positions) propagates at the phase and group velocities parallel or antiparallel to the propagation direction, which is common to longitudinal and transverse waves. Below oscillatory displacement, velocity and acceleration refer to the kinematics in the oscillating directions of the wave - transverse or longitudinal (mathematical description is identical), the group and phase velocities are separate. General derived quantities Relation between space, time, angle analogues used to describe the phase: Modulation indices Acoustics Equations In what follows n, m are any integers (Z = set of integers); . Standing waves Propagating waves Sound waves Gravitational waves Gravitational radiation for two orbiting bodies in the low-speed limit. Superposition, interference, and diffraction Wave propagation