In mathematics and physics, the Laplace operator or Laplacian, named after Pierre-Simon de Laplace, is a differential operator, specifically an important case of an elliptic operator, with many applications. It is denoted by the symbols Δ, ∇2, or ∇·∇. In physics, it's used in the modeling of wave propagation, heat flow, and fluid mechanics. It is central in electrostatics, where it represents the charge associated to a given potential. It is the main part of… (More on Laplacian)