What is the true nature of matter beyond particles and waves?

AI Thread Summary
Matter cannot be fully defined as just particles or waves, as it exhibits characteristics of both while being fundamentally different. In chemistry, molecules represented by resonance forms illustrate this hybrid nature, lacking a single model that encapsulates their essence. The discussion suggests that matter's true nature may be influenced by context, similar to interpretations in quantum mechanics. The concept of inertia is proposed as a potential defining characteristic of matter. Ultimately, the quest to understand matter continues, with significant discoveries likely to be recognized in future Nobel Prizes.
query_ious
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In chemistry, a molecule that can be described by various resonance forms is in reality a hybrid, different from all of these forms yet still 'influenced' by them. This does not change the fundamental nature of the molecule (i.e. atoms bonded together etc.), only means that we lack a single 'model' that integrates these differences.

By the same logic something that can be described either as a particle or as a wave is neither of them, but something else 'influenced' by both, something that has a shared fundamental nature (?) with both models but is effectively different.

Thus, 'matter' is not 'particles' and is not 'waves' - so what is it?
 
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query_ious said:
Thus, 'matter' is not 'particles' and is not 'waves' - so what is it?

Maybe...

That which has inertia?

The nature of matter is determined by context, e.g., the Copenhagen interpretation.
 
better watch the nobel prizes, if someone finds the answer they're sure to win one...
 

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