Physics:Quantum methods/operator

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Short description: Mathematical object representing a physical observable


An operator is a mathematical object that acts on a basis or state to produce another state. In quantum theory, operators represent physical quantities such as position, momentum, and energy.

File:Quantum operator.png

Operators act on states to produce measurable quantities.

Description

Operators encode the measurable properties of a system. Applying an operator to a state yields information about the corresponding physical quantity.

Properties

  • acts on states or functions
  • represents observables
  • central to quantum formalism

See also

Table of contents (185 articles)

Index

Full contents

9. Quantum optics and experiments (5) ↑ Back to index
14. Plasma and fusion physics (8) ↑ Back to index
Conceptual illustration of plasma physics in a fusion context, showing magnetically confined ionized gas in a tokamak and the collective behavior governed by electromagnetic fields and transport processes.
Conceptual illustration of plasma physics in a fusion context, showing magnetically confined ionized gas in a tokamak and the collective behavior governed by electromagnetic fields and transport processes.

References


Author: Harold Foppele