Let’s learn about how particles act like waves
So-called “wave-particle duality” is one of the strangest parts of quantum physics.
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The smallest stuff in our universe acts in a lot of strange ways. Quantum physics is the field of science that tries to wrestle with this weirdness. And one of the weirdest features of the quantum realm is that every particle of light or matter can also act like a wave.
Scientists call this phenomenon wave-particle duality. The term applies to elementary particles such as electrons and photons — the most basic building blocks of our universe. Bigger clumps of matter, such as atoms and molecules, also display this feature, as does antimatter.
Each of these things can act like a particle, moving through space like a baseball thrown over a pond. But they can also travel through space like a wave rippling across that pond.
This might sound impossible. But scientists have seen wave-particle duality in action. One famous lab test showing this strange phenomenon is the double slit experiment.
Taken from Science News Explores's own summary of the story.
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