Question

Why is an electron both a particle and a wave?

Answer 1

Wave:

1. It is a dynamic disturbance that propagates energy from one place to another.

Particle:

1. It is a small, localized object with several physical and chemical properties and fills all the space.
2. All matter is composed of tiny particles.

Dual nature of an electron:

1. In 1924, a French scientist, Louis De Broglie, suggested that an electron shows dual nature, that is, an electron has both wave nature and particle nature.
2. The energy an electron holds can be deposited at a point. Thus, it behaves as a particle.
3. Also, electrons propagate energy from one place to another. Thus, it behaves as a wave.
4. Davisson-Germer Experiment: In 1923-27, Clinton Davisson and Lester Germer conducted an experiment in which electrons that were scattered by nickel-metal crystal showed a diffraction pattern. This confirmed De-Broglie's hypothesis of wave-particle duality.

Hence, an electron is both a particle and a wave.