Volterra equations are a type of integral equation that involve an unknown function and an integral of that function over a certain interval. They are named after the Italian mathematician Vito Volterra, who studied these equations in the early 20th century. Volterra equations can be classified into two main types: first kind and second kind, depending on how the unknown function appears in the equation. These equations are commonly used in various fields, including physics, biology, and engineering, to model dynamic systems and processes. For example, they can describe population dynamics in ecology or the behavior of materials in mechanics. Solving Volterra equations often involves numerical methods or special analytical techniques.