Question

State and explain wave-particle duality?

Answer 1

Wave-particle duality

1. Wave-particle duality is the concept in quantum mechanics that every particle or quantum entity may be described as either a particle or a wave.
2. It expresses the inability of the classical concepts of particle or wave to fully describe the behavior of quantum-scale objects.
3. According to wave-particle theory, light has the property of both wave and particle.
4. Wave-particle duality refers to the fundamental property of matter where at one moment it appears like a wave, and yet at another moment, it acts like a particle.

Example of wave-particle duality:

Example 1:

1. A stone and a water wave are of different matter.
2. In this case, the wave-particle duality remains an enigma because a stone cannot become water and conversely.

Example 2:

1. A drop of water (corpuscle) and a water wave is of identical matter.
2. Water has either a corpuscle behavior or a wave behavior.
3. In this particular situation, wave-particle duality is explained with logic and consistency.