matter waves: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2/Technical)Formal / Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “matter waves” mean?
A quantum mechanics concept describing the wave-like behavior of particles, where all matter exhibits properties of both particles and waves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A quantum mechanics concept describing the wave-like behavior of particles, where all matter exhibits properties of both particles and waves.
In physics, the theoretical and observed phenomenon that particles such as electrons have associated wavelengths, fundamental to wave-particle duality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differences follow general BrE/AmE patterns for the constituent words 'matter' and 'waves'.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse but standard with identical frequency in academic physics contexts globally.
Grammar
How to Use “matter waves” in a Sentence
Matter waves are [verb]ed...The [adjective] matter waves...to observe/calculate the matter waves of [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matter waves” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The electron is said to matter-wave.
American English
- The concept allows particles to matter-wave.
adjective
British English
- The matter-wave duality is fascinating.
American English
- They studied the matter-wave properties.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in physics textbooks, lectures, and papers on quantum mechanics.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside educational or scientific discussion.
Technical
Essential term in theoretical and experimental physics research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matter waves”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matter waves”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matter waves”
- Using 'matter waves' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a matter wave' is possible but less common than the plural).
- Confusing it with other wave phenomena like sound or light waves in casual explanation.
- Misspelling as 'matterwaves' (should be two words or hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The French physicist Louis de Broglie in his 1924 PhD thesis.
No. Electromagnetic waves (like light) are pure energy and can travel through a vacuum. Matter waves are a quantum property associated with mass particles.
Not directly with our eyes, but their effects (like interference and diffraction patterns) can be observed and measured with precise scientific instruments.
The de Broglie wavelength: λ = h/p, where h is Planck's constant and p is the momentum of the particle.
A quantum mechanics concept describing the wave-like behavior of particles, where all matter exhibits properties of both particles and waves.
Matter waves is usually formal / technical / academic in register.
Matter waves: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmætə weɪvz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæt̬ɚ weɪvz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine every tiny particle (MATTER) rippling like a wave in a pond (WAVES). The French physicist de Broglie (think 'duh-BROY') proposed this 'matter-wave' idea.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARTICLES ARE WAVES; MATTER IS A DISTURBANCE/UNDULATION.
Practice
Quiz
What fundamental concept do 'matter waves' illustrate?