Is a light wave composed of waves, photons or both?

AI Thread Summary
Light exhibits duality, behaving as both a wave and a particle, known as photons. This dual nature is evidenced by phenomena like the photoelectric effect, where energy correlates with wave frequency while being delivered in discrete packets. The discussion emphasizes that all particles can be viewed as having both wave and particle characteristics. Understanding this dualism is crucial in comprehending the behavior of light. The conclusion reinforces that light's nature encompasses both waves and photons.
jasper10
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Homework Statement



Is a light wave composed of waves, photons or both?



The Attempt at a Solution

 
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It is difficult to accept, that the light wave is both wave and photons.

All particles can be considered both particles and waves.

ehild
 
But doesn't the photoelectric effect demonstrate the dualistic nature of waves, where the energy is proportional to the frequency of the wave, but the energy is supplied by the quantum packets or "photons"?
 
jasper10 said:
But doesn't the photoelectric effect demonstrate the dualistic nature of waves, where the energy is proportional to the frequency of the wave, but the energy is supplied by the quantum packets or "photons"?

The dualistic nature means that the same thing is wave and particle. So the energy is proportional to the frequency of the wave and the enerqy is supplied by a quantum packet.

ehild
 

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