Wave or Particle: What Defines Electromagnetic Radiation?

[asdf1]

why is electromagnetic radiation considered as wave motion according to the classical theory and as a stream of particles according to the quantum theory?
these two views are so different, so which one is right?

 

[TD]

Both are actually. It appears, simply put, that it sometimes 'behaves' as a particles and sometimes as waves.
Take light for example, we know it consists of photons but Young's (interference) experiment clearly showed that it has a wave-nature as well.

 

[hhh79bigo]

A good way to understand this is probably to read up about the wave/particle duality. This should be applicable for all textbooks.

Like TD said, radiation, behaves like waves and particles. Its a parradox that is very important in modern physics. Its not much help but its something tht needs to read about. I hope I have pointed you in the right direction.

hhh79bigo

 

[HallsofIvy]

There is no difference and it is not a matter of one being right. At that size, there is no clear distinction between "particles" and "waves"- even electrons can be thought of as either particles or waves depending on which is better for the particular problem.

 

[asdf1]

hmm... i see~
thanks! :)

 

[ronggangsky]

very good! i get some new ideas