wave mechanics

noun

, Physics.

1. a form of quantum mechanics formulated in terms of a wave equation, as the Schrödinger equation.

wave mechanics

noun

1. functioning as singular 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

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wave mechanics¹

First recorded in 1925–30