The concept that particles can have both wave-like and particle-like properties, and that their behavior is described by quantum mechanics.
The nature of light: This topic covers the different properties of light, including its wavelength, frequency, and energy, and how it behaves as a wave.
Particle behavior: This topic covers the behavior of particles, including their movement and interactions.
The photoelectric effect: This phenomenon occurs when electrons are ejected from a material when exposed to light of a particular wavelength.
Quantum mechanics: This is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of particles on a small scale, including the principles of wave-particle duality.
De Broglie wavelength: This concept describes how particles, including electrons and other subatomic particles, can exhibit wave-like behavior.
Schrödinger’s equation: This equation is central to quantum mechanics and describes the behavior of particles in terms of wave functions.
Uncertainty principle: This principle explains the limitations of measuring both the position and momentum of a particle, due to the wave-particle duality.
Double-slit experiment: This experiment demonstrates the wave-like behavior of particles, as well as the interference patterns that can be observed.
Wave-particle duality: This is the idea that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on how they are measured and observed.
Complementarity principle: This principle states that properties such as position and momentum are complementary and cannot be measured simultaneously with precision.
The Copenhagen interpretation: This is one of the interpretations of quantum mechanics, which states that the act of measuring a subatomic particle can affect its behavior and properties.
Quantum entanglement: This phenomenon occurs when two particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle affects the state of the other, even when they are separated by a large distance.
Quantum computing: This emerging technology uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations faster than conventional computers can.
Applications of wave-particle duality: Wave-particle duality has numerous applications in fields such as materials science, quantum optics, and quantum cryptography.
The double-slit experiment: In this experiment, particles (such as electrons) are fired through two slits and create an interference pattern on a detector screen that suggests wave-like behavior.
Photoelectric effect: In this experiment, photons (particles of light) are shown to have both particle-like behavior (as they knock electrons off a metal surface) and wave-like behavior (as the intensity of the light affects the number of electrons knocked off).
Compton scattering: In this experiment, photons are scattered off electrons and exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior.
Electron diffraction: In this experiment, electrons are diffracted through a crystal and exhibit a diffraction pattern that suggests wave-like behavior.
Quantum tunneling: This is a phenomenon where a particle can pass through a potential barrier that would be impossible to pass through based on classical mechanics, suggesting wave-like behavior.