What allow matter wave propagation?

AI Thread Summary
Matter waves, such as those associated with electrons, are fundamentally different from electromagnetic waves in that they do not require a medium for propagation. Instead, matter waves are described by quantum mechanics and represent the wave-like behavior of particles, characterized by their wavelength and momentum. While photons propagate through electromagnetic fields, matter waves are linked to the wave function in quantum mechanics, which describes the probability distribution of a particle's position. The discussion highlights the distinction between matter waves and light waves, emphasizing that both can exhibit unique diffraction patterns. Understanding matter wave propagation involves recognizing the role of quantum fields rather than classical mediums.
TheCanadian
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If waves require a medium or some kind of force carrier to propagate, how exactly do matter waves propagate?
 
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Svein said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_equation

Sorry. I'm just wondering what matter waves (e.g. ## \lambda = \frac {h}{p} ##) for an electron for example are classified as. How is an electron's wave inherently different than the wave represented by a photon or other elementary particle besides producing a different diffraction pattern? Do both waves propagate in any particular field (e.g. EM)? I guess I'm just trying to understand what it means for an electron to have a wave but I was under the assumption it also requires some kind of field, too.
 

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