wavefunction
Probability amplitude distribution
A wavefunction is a mathematical description of a quantum system—typically a particle—that encodes all knowable information about its state.
The wavefunction doesn't give definite values for position or momentum but rather probabilities: where you might find the particle, how fast it might be moving.
When measured, the wavefunction "collapses" to a specific outcome.
The strange behavior of wavefunctions—existing in superposition, interfering like waves—underlies quantum mechanics and challenges intuitions built from everyday physics.
Arranged in straight succession
- combinationJoining of multiple elements
- coefficientsNumerical multipliers in expressions
- basisUnderlying support or principle
- statesModes of being
addition · interference · coherence · entanglement · cat · state · mixture · pure
Sentence-starting capitalization
- ruleGoverning principle or standard
- amplitudeMaximum oscillation displacement
- squaredRaised to second power
- densityMass-to-volume ratio
distribution · measurement · collapse · outcome · prediction · expectation · normalization · integral
23rd Greek letter
- equationMathematical equality assertion
- eigenvalueScalar satisfying determinant equation
- eigenstateOperator-invariant quantum state
- operatorOne who works machinery
stationary · solution · hydrogen · atom · potential · boundary · conditions · normalization
Negative subatomic particle
- atomicOf elemental particles
- molecularOf tiny particles
- shellHard outer covering
- subshellOrbital subset within shell
node · radial · angular · spherical · harmonic · probability · cloud · shape
Having many interconnected parts
- spaceUnoccupied area or interval
- vectorQuantity with direction
- innerSituated further in
- productManufactured item for sale
differential · equation · transform · integral · continuous · differentiable · boundary · value
External conditions affecting life
- interactionReciprocal action between parties
- dissipationGradual loss or scattering
- thermalPertaining to warmth
- bathWashing in water
open · system · pointer · basis · irreversibility · noise · classical · limit
Mass-to-volume ratio
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- correlationStatistical relationship measure
- hybridThing of mixed parentage
- self-consistentFree from internal contradiction
field · basis · set · energy · minimization · ground · state · computational
linear
Arranged in straight succession
- combinationJoining of multiple elements
- coefficientsNumerical multipliers in expressions
- basisUnderlying support or principle
states · addition · interference · coherence · entanglement · cat · state · mixture · pure · decomposition
Born
Sentence-starting capitalization
- ruleGoverning principle or standard
- amplitudeMaximum oscillation displacement
- squaredRaised to second power
density · distribution · measurement · collapse · outcome · prediction · expectation · normalization · integral · modulus
psi
23rd Greek letter
- equationMathematical equality assertion
- eigenvalueScalar satisfying determinant equation
- eigenstateOperator-invariant quantum state
operator · stationary · solution · hydrogen · atom · potential · boundary · conditions · normalization · orthogonality
electron
Negative subatomic particle
subshell · node · radial · angular · spherical · harmonic · probability · cloud · shape · lobe
complex
Having many interconnected parts
product · differential · equation · transform · integral · continuous · differentiable · boundary · value · series
environment
External conditions affecting life
- interactionReciprocal action between parties
- dissipationGradual loss or scattering
- thermalPertaining to warmth
bath · open · system · pointer · basis · irreversibility · noise · classical · limit · reduced
density
Mass-to-volume ratio
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- correlationStatistical relationship measure
- hybridThing of mixed parentage
self-consistent · field · basis · set · energy · minimization · ground · state · computational · chemistry
- physicsphysics, momentum, atom, acceleration, gravity
wave, function, waves, waving, waver, waved, functional, wavering, wavers