Introduction to Perturbation
The term perturbation has different meanings with respect to the different fields that it is used in. perturbation can be used in both physics and maths and what this term represents, differs in both these subjects.
Meaning of Perturbation in Physics
Perturbation is a term used for complex motion within a massive body subjected to forces other than gravitational force. This motion was first studied as an astronomical study based on the motions of the planets.
When a body is subjected to an additional force other than the gravitational force, the body undergoes a hypothetical motion. This is called a two-body problem. The difference between these hypothetical motions and actual motions of the body are perturbations caused due to the gravitational pull on the object.
Meaning of Perturbation in Maths
Perturbation theory in mathematics refers to the methods that are used for finding an approximate solution for a problem by starting from the solution of a similar problem. This is done by breaking the problem into small parts or perturbative parts to make the problem easier to solve.
This perturbation theory is used in a wide range of fields and is more advanced used in the field of quantum physics and quantum mechanics.
