Source: wikibot/matrix-element-physics

= Matrix element (physics)
{wiki=Matrix_element_(physics)}

In the context of physics, particularly in quantum mechanics and particle physics, a **matrix element** refers to the components of an operator that connect different quantum states. More specifically, it is often defined as the inner product of a quantum state (or wavefunction) with the action of an operator on another quantum state. The matrix element provides important information about transitions between states, interactions, and physical processes.