Question

What are some examples of wave-particle duality?

Answer 1

Wave–particle duality means that every elementary particle exhibits the properties of both particles and waves.

The wave-like nature of light explains most of its properties.

Reflection

Reflection is the change in direction of a wave or a particle when it hits a surface.

Refraction

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another.

Diffraction

Diffraction is the bending of a light wave as it passes around the edge of an object.

Interference

Interference is the combination of two sets of waves to produce a resultant wave. Waves that are out of phase will cancel each other and produce dark areas.

Polarization

Polarization is the forcing of light waves to vibrate in a single plane.

Photoelectric Effect

The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons when light shines on metals. In this effect, the light behaves as a stream of particles.