The Dependence of Amplitudes on Position: Feynman's Physics Explained
So far we described states by amplitudes for a set of discrete base states. But to describe a particle that can be anywhere in continuous space, we introduce the wave function: the probability amplitude to find the particle at each position. The chance of finding it in a small region is the square of the wave function there, and the Schrodinger equation governs how that wave function evolves in space and time.
The big idea
The wave function gives the amplitude to find a particle at each point.
Think about it
If the wave function spreads across a region, where exactly 'is' the particle before you measure it?
← More Physics (Feynman Lectures) guides · Explore the Physics (Feynman Lectures) module →
📧 Get a free brain-teaser every morning
Join thousands of families learning something new each day.
Subscribe free