What is more beneficial: light as a wave or light as a particle?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the dual nature of light, questioning whether it is more beneficial to consider light as a wave or a particle. It emphasizes that in quantum mechanics, photons do not need to be classified strictly as one or the other, as they exhibit properties of both. The conversation highlights the complexity of discussing benefits, as the implications of light's nature depend on context and perspective. Philosophical considerations about the universe's nature and anthropic arguments are also mentioned, indicating that the question may not have a straightforward answer. Ultimately, the duality of light is intrinsic to its behavior and understanding in physics.
Apollonian
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
So which would be more beneficial and why? Would light be better off as just a particle or wave? How would it be more beneficial and what would it mean in 'every day life'?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Please start by reading the FAQ subforum in the General Physics forum. It may be an eye-opener to you that in QM, we DON'T have to make such a choice.

Zz.
 
If a photon could only be either one or the other, then this Universe would be a totally different one. A photon is a photon and that's what it is.

Plenty of things are 'different' depending on the context. A coal miner may be a father, a singer and a football fan. They are not mutually exclusive descriptions and nor are the two common descriptions of photons.
 
Asking what the Universe would be like if something were different is fraught with philosophical difficulty. Have a look at anthropic arguments about our existence for some discussion on this.
 
Beneficial to who/what?
 
Back
Top