matrix mechanics

Matrix mechanics

A formulation of quantum theory in which the operators are represented by time-dependent matrices. Matrix mechanics is not useful for obtaining quantitative solutions to actual problems; on the other hand, because it is concisely expressed in a form independent of special coordinate systems, matrix mechanics is useful for proving general theorems.

McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Physics. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

matrix mechanics

[′mā·triks mə′kan·iks]

(quantum mechanics)

The theory of quantum mechanics developed by using the Heisenberg picture and representing operators by their matrix elements between eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian operator; Heisenberg's original formulation of quantum mechanics.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.