Wave-Particle Duality: Quantum Physics Mystery

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In summary: It is often described as a duality, having both particle and wave-like behavior. However, some argue that this is due to our observation and measurement methods rather than the actual nature of the waves. Another idea is that the waves themselves could be particles or photons that follow a wave-like motion. Quantum mechanics offers a new way of understanding this phenomenon, describing it as a more complex and interesting object rather than simply a wave or a particle. This is an ongoing discussion in the field of physics.
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Helicobacter
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When we observe electromagnetic waves going through that wall-like construction (with two holes in it) of that famous experiment, whose name I unfortunately don't know in English, we observe a particle-like behavior. Many people call that a fundamental phenomenon of quantum physics. But isn't it the case that by our measuring procedures we are actually synthetically manipulating the natural electromagnetic waves; thus there isn't actually a duality, but only by synthetically manipulating of the actual natural electromegnetic waves into synthetic photons?

Or another thought of me: the electromagnetic waves could be particles/photons that follow a wave-like motion...
 
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  • #2
Quantum mechanics describes things in a whole new way -- one that is capable of approximating the notion of "particle" and the notion of "wave".

In other words, it's neither a wave nor a particle: it's a more interesting sort of object!
 
  • #3
Helicobacter said:
When we observe electromagnetic waves going through that wall-like construction (with two holes in it) of that famous experiment, whose name I unfortunately don't know in English, we observe a particle-like behavior. Many people call that a fundamental phenomenon of quantum physics. But isn't it the case that by our measuring procedures we are actually synthetically manipulating the natural electromagnetic waves; thus there isn't actually a duality, but only by synthetically manipulating of the actual natural electromegnetic waves into synthetic photons?

Or another thought of me: the electromagnetic waves could be particles/photons that follow a wave-like motion...

You may want to read the FAQ in the General Physics forum.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=867751&postcount=3

Zz.
 
  • #4
good query
 

1. What is wave-particle duality?

Wave-particle duality is a concept in quantum physics that suggests that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior depending on how they are observed or measured. This means that particles can have properties of both waves and particles at the same time.

2. How does wave-particle duality relate to quantum physics?

Wave-particle duality is a fundamental principle in quantum physics, which is the branch of physics that studies the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. This concept helps explain phenomena that cannot be explained by classical physics, such as the behavior of photons and electrons.

3. What are some examples of wave-particle duality in action?

One example of wave-particle duality is the double-slit experiment, where a single particle is shown to behave like a wave as it passes through two slits and creates an interference pattern. Another example is the photoelectric effect, where light behaves like a wave when traveling through space, but as particles when interacting with matter.

4. How does wave-particle duality impact our understanding of the physical world?

Wave-particle duality challenges our traditional understanding of the physical world, where objects are either particles or waves. This concept suggests that at a microscopic level, particles can exist as both at the same time, and it is our observation or measurement that determines their behavior. It also highlights the limitations of classical physics in explaining the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

5. What are some current theories and developments in understanding wave-particle duality?

Scientists are still exploring and studying the concept of wave-particle duality, and there are various theories and interpretations of this phenomenon. One leading theory is the Copenhagen interpretation, which suggests that particles do not have a definite state until they are observed or measured. Other theories, such as the pilot-wave theory, suggest that particles have a definite state at all times, and the wave-like behavior is just a result of their interaction with their surrounding environment.

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