wave function
[/weɪv ˈfʌŋkʃən/]
nounpl: wave functions
função de onda
1. In quantum mechanics, a mathematical description of the quantum state of a system, typically represented by the Greek letter psi (ψ), whose absolute square gives the probability density of finding a particle at a given location
The wave function of an electron in a hydrogen atom can be described using Schrödinger's equation.
A função de onda de um elétron em um átomo de hidrogênio pode ser descrita usando a equação de Schrödinger.
2. A complex-valued function used to describe the probability amplitude of quantum particles
The square of the wave function gives the probability distribution of the particle's position.
O quadrado da função de onda fornece a distribuição de probabilidade da posição da partícula.
The term 'wave function' is fundamental to quantum mechanics education and research in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is a specialized scientific term with no colloquial or regional variations, maintaining consistent terminology across academic institutions. The concept emerged from the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and remains central to modern physics curricula.
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