In mathematics and physics, the Laplace operator or Laplacian, denoted by Delta, or abla^2 and named after Pierre-Simon de Laplace,'s a differential operator, specifically an important case of an elliptic operator, with many applications. In physics, it's used in modeling of wave propagation, heat flow and forming the Helmholtz equation. It's central in electrostatics and fluid mechanics, anchoring in Laplace's equation and Poisson's equation. In quantum mechanics, it represents the kinetic en… (More on Laplacian)