One Dimensional Wave Equation
Abstract
In this chapter we will study the physical problem of the wave propagation. The wave equation usually describes water waves, the vibrations of a string or a membrane, the propagation of electromagnetic and sound waves, or the transmission of electric signals in a cable. The function u ( x,t ) defines a small displacement of any point of a vibrating string at position x at time t . Unlike the heat equation, the wave equation contains the term u tt that represents the vertical acceleration of a vibrating string at point x , which is due to the tension in the string.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Differential Equations and Boundary Problems
Stability and Controllability of Differential Equations
Advanced Mathematical Physics Problems
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 125–165
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter