complex wave functions

A complex wave function is a mathematical description used in quantum physics to represent particles like electrons. It contains two parts: a real part and an imaginary part, combined into a complex number. Though it may seem abstract, the wave function encodes the particle’s probability of being found in a particular location or state. The magnitude tells us where the particle is likely to be, while the phase (from the imaginary part) influences how waves interact. Overall, it’s a powerful tool that captures the nuanced, probabilistic nature of particles at tiny scales.