wave packet
The term "wave packet" is central to quantum mechanics and signal processing, representing a localized wave phenomenon with applications in various fields.
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Definition
C2Quantum Mechanics
(technical, academic)A mathematical construct describing a localized group of waves that represents the probabilistic position and momentum of a particle.
Example
- The electron's position is described by a wave packet in quantum mechanics.
- Wave packets help illustrate the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
C1Signal Processing
(technical, academic)A short-duration signal used to represent a signal in a time-frequency domain.
Example
- Wave packets are essential for analyzing time-varying signals.
- Engineers use wave packets to study signal transmission in communication systems.
C2General Physics
(technical)A localized wave-like disturbance with finite energy, often resulting from the combination of multiple wave trains.
Example
- A wave packet can describe a pulse of radiant energy.
- In optics, wave packets can be used to model light pulses.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wave packet":
travelling wavewave throughlight wavecarrier wavepilot wavegravity wavepulse wavecontinuous waveshock wave