
Related to perturbation: Perturbation theory


(pŭr'tərbā`shən), in astronomy and physics, small forceforce,
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 or other influence that modifies the otherwise simple motion of some object. The term is also used for the effect produced by the perturbation, e.g., a change in the object's energyenergy,
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 or path of motion. One important effect of perturbations is the advance, or precession, of the perihelionperihelion
, point nearest the sun in the orbit of a body about the sun. See apsis.
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 of a planet, which can be described as a slow rotation of the entire planetary orbit. A residual advance in the perihelion of Mercury provided a valuable test of Einstein's general theory of relativityrelativity,
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In the solar systemsolar system,
the sun and the surrounding planets, natural satellites, dwarf planets, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets that are bound by its gravity. The sun is by far the most massive part of the solar system, containing almost 99.9% of the system's total mass.
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 the dominant force is the gravitational force exerted by the sun on each planet; assuming that this is the only force, the simple elliptical orbits described by Kepler's lawsKepler's laws,
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 are derived. However, the perturbations caused by the gravitational interaction of the planets among themselves change and complicate the curve of these orbits. The study of perturbations has led to important discoveries in astronomy. Within the solar system, the existence and position of Neptune was predicted because of the deviations of Uranus from its computed path. Likewise, Pluto was discovered by its effect on Neptune. Beyond the confines of the solar system, perturbations in the orbits of stars caused by the gravitational forces of orbiting bodies have led to the discovery of a number of extrasolar planetary systemsplanetary system,
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In the atom the dominant force is the electrical force between the nucleus and the electrons; this force determines the characteristic structure, or energy levels, of the atom. The forces exerted by the electrons among themselves are perturbations that slightly modify this structure.

Perturbation (quantum mechanics)

An expansion technique useful for solving complicated quantum-mechanical problems in terms of solutions for simple problems. Perturbation theory in quantum mechanics provides an approximation scheme whereby the physical properties of a system, modeled mathematically by a quantum-mechanical description, can be estimated to a required degree of accuracy. Such a scheme is useful because very few problems occurring in quantum mechanics can be solved analytically. Consequently an approximation technique must be employed in order to give an approximate analytic solution or to provide suitable algorithms for a numerical solution. Even for problems which admit an exact analytic solution, the exact solution may be of such mathematical complexity that its physical interpretation is not apparent. For these situations, perturbation techniques are also desirable.

Here the discussion of the application of perturbation techniques to quantum mechanics is limited to the domain of nonrelativistic quantum theory. Applications of a similar but mathematically more intricate nature have also been made in quantum electrodynamics and quantum field theory. See Quantum electrodynamics, Quantum field theory, Quantum mechanics

Perturbation theory is applied to the Schrdinger equation, HΨ = (H0 + λV)Ψ = i&planck;(∂/∂t)Ψ [where &planck; is Planck's constant h divided by 2π, and (∂/∂t) represents partial differentiation with respect to the time variable t], for which the exact hamiltonian H is split into two parts: the approximate (unperturbed) time-independent hamiltonian H0 whose solutions of the corresponding Schrdinger equation are known analytically, and the perturbing potential λV. The basic idea is to expand the exact solution Ψ in terms of the solution set of the unperturbed hamiltonian H0 by means of a power series in the coupling constant λ. Such a procedure is expected to be successful if the system characterized by the unperturbed hamiltonian closely resembles that characterized by the exact hamiltonian. Supposedly the differences are not singular in character, but change as a continuous function of the parameter λ.

Perturbation theory is used in two contexts to provide information about the state of the system, which in quantum mechanics is determined by the wave function Ψ. If λV is time-independent, an objective may be to find the stationary states of the system Ψn whose time dependence is given by exp (-iEnt/&planck;), where i = and En represents the energy of the stationary state labeled by n. If λV is either time-independent or time-dependent, an objective may be to find the time evolution of a state which at some specified time was a stationary state of the unperturbed hamiltonian. The perturbing potential is then considered as causing transitions from the original state to other states of the unperturbed hamiltonian, and application of time-dependent perturbation theory provides the probability of such transitions.


(per-ter-bay -shŏn) A small disturbance that causes a system to deviate from a reference or equilibrium state. Periodic perturbations cancel out over the period involved and do not affect the system's stability. Secular perturbations have a progressive effect on the system that can cause it eventually to become unstable.

A single planet orbiting the Sun would follow an elliptical orbit according to Kepler's laws; in reality a planet is perturbed from its elliptical orbit by the gravitational effects of the other planets. Likewise the revolution of the Moon around the Earth is perturbed mainly by the Sun and to a much lesser extent by other bodies. The assumptions that the Sun is the only perturbing body and that the Earth orbits the Sun in a fixed elliptical orbit lead to a simplified theory of lunar motion. The orbits of comets and asteroids are strongly perturbed when the body passes close to a major planet, such as Jupiter. The influence of a perturbing body can be calculated from the orbital elements of an osculating orbit, to which corrections are made.


A deviation of an astronomical body from its computed orbit because of the attraction of another body or bodies.
A function which produces a small change in the values of some given function.
Any effect which makes a small modification in a physical system, especially in case the equations of motion could be solved exactly in the absence of this effect.




A disturbance or irregularity. For example, a "perturbation in an input signal" that is not properly dealt with may cause erroneous output or a system failure.
References in classic literature ?
In spite of her own perturbation and heartache, her hands had not been idle, and she stood now at the bedside with the quieting powder ready.
The perturbation in my mind, in regard to thinking about it, being truly dreadful after my lady had gone away, I applied the remedy which I have never yet found to fail me in cases of doubt and emergency.
After staring at me, in great perturbation, she went back into the house with my message, closing the door, and leaving me to wait in the garden.
Also, there were comings and goings, and the erstwhile placid atmosphere of the cabin was vexed with strange perturbations and unrest.
Turning to look at her, he saw his own perturbations and anxieties plainly reflected in Mrs.
CHRISTOV, Perturbation analysis of the continuous and discrete matrix Riccati equations, in Proceedings of the 1986 American Control Confererence, Seattle, vol.
But, knowing that turbulence is fundamentally non-linear, the team decided a non-linear perturbation analysis was exactly what was called for.
doivent prendre toutes les precautions necessaires pour eviter les risques des effets pervers de cette perturbation climatique prevue durant les journees du 9 et 10 fevrier.
Mathematicians consider systems that can be disturbed, to a varying degree, by changing the value of a single perturbation parameter loosely referred to as the perturbation.
Le ministre de la Communication, porte-parole du gouvernement, Mustafa El Khalfi a prononce un cours inaugural au titre de l'annee universitaire 2013-2014, programme lundi a l'Universite Ibn-Zohr d'Agadir, "en depit de tentatives de perturbation emanant d'une partie du public".
L'aeroport du Caire a connu vendredi une perturbation relative, notamment au niveau des embarcations, a la suite de la greve observee par les pilotes et quelques defaillances techniques, ainsi que du retard de quelques vols d'arrivee, a-t-on appris de sources informees a l'aeroport, citees par la presse locale.