Wave-Particle Duality: Why Light Acts Like Both

Wave-particle duality means light can behave as a wave and as a particle, depending on how we observe it.
As a wave, light creates interference patterns, just like ripples on water.
As a particle, light comes in tiny packets of energy called photons.
The famous double-slit experiment revealed light’s dual nature in a dramatic way.
Even single photons fired one at a time still build up wave-like interference over time.
This duality also applies to matter—electrons and atoms can show wave behavior too.
Wave-particle duality challenges classical physics, where things were either waves or particles, never both.
It is a cornerstone of quantum mechanics, shaping our modern understanding of physics.
Technology like electron microscopes relies on the wave nature of particles for super-fine imaging.
Wave-particle duality reminds us that reality at the quantum level defies everyday intuition.