Particles vs Waves: Properties Differences

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the major differences between the properties of waves and particles, exploring theoretical distinctions and conceptual clarifications. Participants seek to clarify these concepts beyond existing resources, such as Wikipedia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that particles are components of physical substances that can be felt or touched, while waves represent patterns of movement among these particles, such as ripples in water or sound waves in air.
  • Others argue that particles and waves are not directly comparable entities, suggesting that comparing particle waves to electromagnetic waves may be more appropriate.
  • A participant expresses frustration with the complexity of existing explanations and seeks clearer answers than those found in typical sources.
  • There is a suggestion that the relationship between waves and photons is not paradoxical if one avoids asking what they "really" are, emphasizing observational aspects instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions and comparisons of waves and particles, indicating multiple competing views and unresolved questions regarding their properties.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the reliance on various definitions and the complexity of the concepts involved, which may not be fully addressed in the discussion.

ldv1452
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What are the major differences between the properties of waves and those of particles?
 
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What do you think are the major differences?
 
ldv1452 said:
What are the major differences between the properties of waves and those of particles?

Is that a school test problem?
 
JDługosz said:
Is that a school test problem?

No.
I'm just looking to see if anyone can provide a clearer answer than the mess of information on wikipedia.
 
OK, maybe you can start by listing some "properties" of waves. Understand what a wave nature is.
 
ldv1452 said:
No.
I'm just looking to see if anyone can provide a clearer answer than the mess of information on wikipedia.

Wikkers isn't the sole source of information, you know. There are hundreds of web pages that discuss this. I suggest you 'compare and contrast' a few of them.

And, there is no paradoxical relationship between waves and photons if you avoid the dreaded (and pointless) question "yeah but what is it REALLY?". Because it isn't anything "really" it's just what we happen to observe.
 
ldv1452 said:
What are the major differences between the properties of waves and those of particles?

If your question was intending some straight answers then ,

-particles are the components of physically existing substance like air , water , solids etc that can be felt or touched.
-wave is the pattern in which the particles move. eg ripple wave in water, sound wave in air.

You can define them but they aren't comparable entities. It would be like differentiating between light and sun.

We could rather compare particle waves with electromagnetic waves.
I understand till the particle wave but electromagnetic wave has been brainstorming me for a long time as well.

I guess you are also intending to get answer to this question though you have presented it the other way.
 

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