Is Light Both Waves and Particles, or Something Completely Different?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the dual nature of light, specifically whether it behaves as both waves and particles, or if it is something entirely different. Participants explore theoretical implications, examples of behavior, and the conceptual understanding of light in the context of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether light behaves as both waves and particles simultaneously or if it exhibits one behavior at a time.
  • Examples of photons acting like waves are discussed, with the double-slit experiment cited as a key example, though some note that individual photons do not exhibit wave-like behavior when detected.
  • One participant argues that light should not be classified strictly as a wave or a particle, suggesting it is a quantum object that does not conform to everyday experiences.
  • Wave-like properties of light, such as diffraction and interference, are mentioned as typical characteristics associated with waves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of light, with no consensus reached on whether it is best described as both waves and particles, or something entirely different.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of wave and particle behavior in the context of quantum mechanics, and the implications of these definitions on the understanding of light.

adjacent
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Why do light behaves as both waves and particles?Do it behave like both at the same time or one at a time?
 
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adjacent said:
Why do light behaves as both waves and particles?Do it behave like both at the same time or one at a time?

Please read the https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=209, and in particular, this FAQ entry.

Zz.
 
can we extend this question a little further (yes I did read your link)..

What are some examples of photons acting like waves? The dbl slit seams like an obvious answer but if we look one particle at a time it never is a wave - it doesn't hit the screen in parts - just quanta. Why don't we say the chance of finding light somewhere is a wave but light is a particle?
 
It is neither a wave nor a particle. It can have wave-like and particle-like behavior, but that's all you can say.

The typical wave-like properties are diffraction, interference, etc... i.e. look at all the properties of things we consider as waves, and light has the same characteristics.

Zz.
 
Emissive said:
can we extend this question a little further (yes I did read your link)..

What are some examples of photons acting like waves? The dbl slit seams like an obvious answer but if we look one particle at a time it never is a wave - it doesn't hit the screen in parts - just quanta. Why don't we say the chance of finding light somewhere is a wave but light is a particle?

The best way to look at it, that I've ever heard, is that light, and all EM radiation, is not purely a wave or a particle, and it is not both. It is something completely different. It is a quantum object that does NOT behave according to our everyday experiences.
 

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