wave mechanics

noun, Physics.
1.
a form of quantum mechanics formulated in terms of a wave equation, as the Schrödinger equation.
Compare matrix mechanics.
Origin
1925-30
Examples from the web for wave mechanics
  • The vast majority of our citizens, including those with degrees, have no understanding at all of wave mechanics.
  • They might even work through some exhaustive stuff to try to show that physics was fundamentally wave mechanics.
  • All but the first three chapters presuppose an acquaintance with wave mechanics.
British Dictionary definitions for wave mechanics

wave mechanics

noun
1.
(functioning as sing) (physics) the formulation of quantum mechanics in which the behaviour of systems, such as atoms, is described in terms of their wave functions
wave mechanics in Science
wave mechanics  
A theory that interprets the behavior of matter (especially subatomic or other small particles) in terms of the properties of waves. A broad range of physical phenomena, from the propagation of earthquakes to the structures of electron orbitals in atoms, have been understood using wave mechanics. Quantum mechanics uses a form of wave mechanics and involves wave equations such as Schrödinger's equation to capture both the wavelike and particlelike properties of matter.