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Introduction To Wave Particle Duality

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4 views9 pages

Introduction To Wave Particle Duality

Uploaded by

modassiralam9496
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to

Wave-Particle
Duality
Wave-particle duality is a central concept in quantum mechanics. It
describes how light and matter can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like
behavior.
Historical Background
1 Newton's Corpuscular Theory
Isaac Newton proposed that light consists of tiny particles
called corpuscles.

2 Huygens' Wave Theory


Christiaan Huygens suggested that light behaves as waves,
propagating through a medium.

3 Maxwell's Electromagnetic Theory


James Clerk Maxwell established that light is an
electromagnetic wave.
Key Experiments – Young’s Double-Slit
Experiment

Interference Pattern Particle Theory Wave-Particle Duality


When light passes through two slits, it If light consisted only of particles, we The observed interference pattern
creates an interference pattern of bright would expect to see two bright spots demonstrates that light exhibits wave-like
and dark bands on a screen. directly behind the slits. behavior, supporting the concept of wave-
particle duality.
The Photoelectric Effect
Light as Particles
1 When light strikes a metal surface, electrons are emitted. This is
known as the photoelectric effect.

Energy Quanta
2 Einstein explained the effect by proposing that light consists of
discrete energy packets called photons.

Particle Behavior
3 The photoelectric effect demonstrates the particle-like nature of
light.
The Concept of Duality for
Particles

1 De Broglie's 2 Wave-Particle
Hypothesis Duality
Louis de Broglie proposed that Particles, like electrons, can
all matter exhibits wave-like also behave as waves and
properties. exhibit interference
phenomena.

3 Matter Waves
The wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its momentum.
Quantum Implications
and the Uncertainty
Principle
Uncertainty Principle Wave-Particle Duality
Werner Heisenberg's uncertainty The uncertainty principle is a
principle states that it is direct consequence of the wave-
impossible to simultaneously particle duality of matter.
know both the position and
momentum of a particle with
perfect accuracy.

Quantum Measurement
The act of measurement inevitably disturbs the system, leading to
inherent uncertainty.
Conclusion and
Significance
Wave-particle duality stands as a cornerstone of quantum mechanics,
revolutionizing our understanding of light and matter. This fundamental
principle has had a profound impact, leading to the development of
groundbreaking technologies like lasers and electron microscopes. These
innovations have shaped our world, enabling advancements across various
fields.
Implications and
Applications of Wave-
Particle Duality

Lasers
Lasers rely on the stimulated emission of photons, a phenomenon explained by
quantum mechanics.

Electron Microscopes
Electron microscopes use the wave-like properties of electrons to achieve high
resolution images.

Quantum Computing
Quantum computers harness the principles of superposition and
entanglement, rooted in wave-particle duality.

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