Wave-particle duality

Definition

Wave-particle duality is the concept in quantum mechanics that every particle or quantic entity exhibits both wave and particle properties. This dual nature is fundamental to the behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wave-particle duality was first demonstrated by the double-slit experiment, showing that electrons can exhibit interference patterns like waves.
2. Louis de Broglie proposed that matter, such as electrons, has a wavelength associated with its momentum, known as the de Broglie wavelength: $\lambda = \frac{h}{p}$.
3. Photons are an example of particles exhibiting wave-particle duality; they show both wave-like behavior (interference and diffraction) and particle-like behavior (photoelectric effect).
4. Wave-particle duality is crucial for understanding electron configurations in atoms and how electrons interact with electromagnetic energy.
5. The principle of complementarity, introduced by Niels Bohr, states that the wave and particle aspects of quantum entities are complementary, meaning both are needed to fully describe their behavior.

Review Questions

• What experiment first demonstrated the wave-like properties of electrons?
• How does de Broglie's hypothesis relate to wave-particle duality?
• Why is wave-particle duality important for understanding electron configurations in atoms?

Related terms

Quantum Mechanics:

A fundamental theory in physics that describes nature at the smallest scales, such as atomic and subatomic levels.

de Broglie Wavelength:

The wavelength associated with a moving particle, given by $\lambda = \frac{h}{p}$ where $h$ is Planck's constant and $p$ is the momentum of the particle.

Photoelectric Effect:

The emission of electrons from a material when it absorbs light energy. This phenomenon supports the particle nature of light.