wave function

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a solution of a wave equation.

2. (in quantum mechanics) a mathematical function, found by solving a quantum-mechanical wave equation, that is used to predict the outcome of measurements on physical systems.

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wave function British  

noun

1.  ψ.  physics a mathematical function of position and generally time, used in wave mechanics to describe the state of a physical system

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wave function Scientific  

1. A mathematical function used in quantum mechanics to describe the propagation of the wave associated with a particle or group of particles. The wave function is a solution to Schrödinger's equation, given the boundary conditions that describe the physical system in which the particle is found. The square of the function evaluated at a given point in space is proportional to the probability of finding the particle in the immediate vicinity of that position.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wave function

The wave function contains the information needed to describe the quantum system, but its size increases exponentially as more particles are added.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

These mathematical structures compress the information contained in a wave function so that it can be handled more efficiently.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

Johannes’ overseer is no fan of “metaphysical rubbish,” which is where the young man’s energies are directed, particularly toward the universal wave function that suggests the existence of multiple realities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2024

The wave function, mentioned above, is a mathematical description of the quantum state of this confusing bit of universe.

From Salon ● Jan. 30, 2024

This influence changes the entire quantum fluid's wave function, pushing it into a supersolid state with regularly spaced peaks.

From Scientific American ● Jul. 31, 2023