THE IMPORTANCE OF WAVE THEORY IN MODERN LIFE: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT, CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
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Shikaripara College, Shikaripara, JH
Shikaripara College, Shikaripara, JH
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Abstract
Wave theory is one of the most fundamental concepts in physics and has profoundly influenced the development of modern science and technology. From the propagation of sound and light to the functioning of wireless communication, medical imaging, and quantum mechanics, wave phenomena are deeply embedded in everyday life. This review article examines the historical evolution of wave theory, beginning with ancient philosophical ideas and progressing through the scientific contributions of Huygens, Newton, Young, Fresnel, Maxwell, and modern physicists. The article highlights the role of wave theory in understanding electromagnetic radiation, acoustics, optics, seismology, and quantum behaviour. Contemporary applications such as fiber-optic communication, mobile networks, satellite systems, ultrasound diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging, renewable energy technologies, and artificial intelligence-assisted signal processing are discussed in detail. The paper also explores future perspectives, including quantum communication, gravitational wave astronomy, metamaterials, photonic computing, and next-generation wireless technologies. By integrating historical insights with modern applications and emerging trends, this article demonstrates that wave theory is not merely a theoretical framework but a cornerstone of contemporary civilization and future scientific advancement.
Keywords
Wave theory electromagnetic waves optics acoustics quantum mechanics communication technology medical imaging gravitational waves photonics modern physics.
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Double-Blind Peer Review
License:
CC BY-NC 4.0
Volume/Issue:
Volume 02, Issue 7
Review Rounds:
2
Article Type:
Research Article
Publication Date:
Jul 22 2026
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Khanam, A. (2026). The Importance of Wave Theory in Modern Life: Historical Development, Contemporary Applications, and Future Perspectives. International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, 02(7), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i7.082
Khanam, Abida. "The Importance of Wave Theory in Modern Life: Historical Development, Contemporary Applications, and Future Perspectives." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, vol. 02, no. 7, 2026, pp. 1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i7.082.
Khanam, Abida. "The Importance of Wave Theory in Modern Life: Historical Development, Contemporary Applications, and Future Perspectives." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology 02, no. 7 (2026): 1-9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i7.082.
References
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Young, T. (1802). The Bakerian lecture: Experiments and calculations relative to physical optics. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 92, 12–48.
Fresnel, A. J. (1818). Mémoire sur la diffraction de la lumière [Memoir on the diffraction of light]. Annales de Chimie et de Physique.
Maxwell, J. C. (1873). A treatise on electricity and magnetism. Oxford University Press.
Hertz, H. (1893). Electric waves: Being researches on the propagation of electric action with finite velocity through space. Macmillan.
Einstein, A. (1916). The foundation of the general theory of relativity. Annalen der Physik, 49(7), 769–822.
Schrödinger, E. (1926). An undulatory theory of the mechanics of atoms and molecules. Physical Review, 28(6), 1049–1070.
Kittel, C. (2004). Introduction to solid state physics (8th ed.). Wiley.
Feynman, R. P., Leighton, R. B., & Sands, M. (2011). The Feynman lectures on physics (Vol. I). Addison-Wesley.
Abbott, B. P., Abbott, R., Abbott, T. D., Abernathy, M. R., Acernese, F., Ackley, K., et al. (2016). Observation of gravitational waves from a binary black hole merger. Physical Review Letters, 116(6), 061102.
Griffiths, D. J. (2017). Introduction to electrodynamics (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. Hecht, E. (2017). Optics (5th ed.). Pearson.
Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2018). Fundamentals of physics (11th ed.). Wiley.
Saleh, B. E. A., & Teich, M. C. (2019). Fundamentals of photonics (3rd ed.). Wiley.
Young, T. (1802). The Bakerian lecture: Experiments and calculations relative to physical optics. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 92, 12–48.
Fresnel, A. J. (1818). Mémoire sur la diffraction de la lumière [Memoir on the diffraction of light]. Annales de Chimie et de Physique.
Maxwell, J. C. (1873). A treatise on electricity and magnetism. Oxford University Press.
Hertz, H. (1893). Electric waves: Being researches on the propagation of electric action with finite velocity through space. Macmillan.
Einstein, A. (1916). The foundation of the general theory of relativity. Annalen der Physik, 49(7), 769–822.
Schrödinger, E. (1926). An undulatory theory of the mechanics of atoms and molecules. Physical Review, 28(6), 1049–1070.
Kittel, C. (2004). Introduction to solid state physics (8th ed.). Wiley.
Feynman, R. P., Leighton, R. B., & Sands, M. (2011). The Feynman lectures on physics (Vol. I). Addison-Wesley.
Abbott, B. P., Abbott, R., Abbott, T. D., Abernathy, M. R., Acernese, F., Ackley, K., et al. (2016). Observation of gravitational waves from a binary black hole merger. Physical Review Letters, 116(6), 061102.
Griffiths, D. J. (2017). Introduction to electrodynamics (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. Hecht, E. (2017). Optics (5th ed.). Pearson.
Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2018). Fundamentals of physics (11th ed.). Wiley.
Saleh, B. E. A., & Teich, M. C. (2019). Fundamentals of photonics (3rd ed.). Wiley.
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