Wave-particle duality is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that describes the dual nature of particles, which can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviour, depending on the situation.
- For example, electromagnetic radiation (including light) is often described using wave properties, such as wavelength and frequency. However, when light interacts with matter, it behaves like discrete particles called photons.
- A photon is the smallest quantum of electromagnetic radiation and represents a discrete packet of energy. When a photon is absorbed by matter, its energy becomes localized at specific points. This process is known as wave function collapse, which describes the transition of a quantum system from a superposition of possible states to a definite state when measured.
- Wave-particle duality applies to all particles in quantum mechanics, not just light. Particles such as electrons also exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviour, depending on experimental conditions.