A wave function is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that describes the quantum state of a particle or system. It is represented mathematically as a complex-valued function, which encodes information about the probabilities of finding a particle in various positions and states. The square of the wave function's amplitude gives the probability density of the particle's location.
Wave functions are crucial for understanding phenomena such as superposition and entanglement. They evolve over time according to the Schrödinger Equation, allowing physicists to predict how quantum systems behave. This concept is essential for fields like quantum computing and quantum chemistry.