Wave vector

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-012649",
  "term": "Wave vector",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A vector quantity that describes the spatial oscillation of a wave, with its magnitude equal to the wavenumber and its direction indicating the direction of wave propagation. In spectroscopy and surface science, it is used to characterize the momentum and direction of photons or electrons. Its unit is typically reciprocal meters (m⁻¹).",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2020, 92, 1781. 'Glossary of methods and terms used in surface chemical analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)' on page 1849 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2019-0404)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/wave-vector/"
}