i see "wave and particles" term used in many places but i dont understand the meaning of it.
pls can anyone explain?
thanks!
pls can anyone explain?
thanks!
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Consider the 2 Slit Experiment:
If we leave both slits open and do not observe which slit a given quantum went through we get a pattern of light and dark areas on a screen behind the slits. The location of the light and dark areas is perfectly described by the equations of wave mechanics ( this is absolute, irrefutable proof that light is a wave )
BUT......
If we place photoelectric cells on the screen we get discrete flashes of light in the light areas. (absolute irrefutable proof that light is a particle )
What to do?
One way out is to say that light has a dual nature and depending on how we observe it it behaves as either a wave or a particle. It is always one or the other and never both at the same time)
If we leave both slits open and do not observe which slit a given quantum went through we get a pattern of light and dark areas on a screen behind the slits. The location of the light and dark areas is perfectly described by the equations of wave mechanics ( this is absolute, irrefutable proof that light is a wave )
BUT......
If we place photoelectric cells on the screen we get discrete flashes of light in the light areas. (absolute irrefutable proof that light is a particle )
What to do?
One way out is to say that light has a dual nature and depending on how we observe it it behaves as either a wave or a particle. It is always one or the other and never both at the same time)
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A particle is a tiny object with a precise position at any moment (think of a bullet).
A wave is an oscillating pattern which spread out (think of waves on a pond)
The link below should be useful.
A wave is an oscillating pattern which spread out (think of waves on a pond)
The link below should be useful.