Probability amplitude

Probability amplitude is a complex number used in quantum mechanics to describe the likelihood of a particle being in a particular state or position. When you square its magnitude (or absolute value), you get the probability of finding the particle there. Think of it as a mathematical tool that combines both the chance of an event and some phase information, which affects how probabilities combine and interfere, similar to wave behavior. This concept is fundamental to understanding phenomena like interference and superposition in quantum systems.