What is wave-particle duality?

Q: What is wave-particle duality?


A: Wave-particle duality is a concept in physics that describes how certain particles and waves can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior.

Q: Why is wave-particle duality confusing?


A: Wave-particle duality is confusing because it goes against what we see in the ordinary world, where things are either particles or waves, not both.

Q: What was the argument among physicists in the 1700s and 1800s related to light?


A: Physicists in the 1700s and 1800s argued about whether light was made of particles or waves.

Q: How does light behave like a particle?


A: Light can behave like a particle when it seems to go only in a straight line.

Q: How does light behave like a wave?


A: Light behaves like a wave when it has frequency and wavelength, similar to a sound wave or water wave.

Q: What did physicists believe about light before the 20th century?


A: Before the 20th century, most physicists believed that light was either a particle or a wave, and that those who believed the opposite were wrong.

Q: What did the concept of wave-particle duality reveal to physicists?


A: The concept of wave-particle duality revealed to physicists that certain particles and waves can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior, and that the nature of light is not as simple as they once thought.

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