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wave-particle duality

wayv-PAR-tih-kuhl doo-AL-ih-tee /ˌweɪv ˈpɑːrtɪkl duˈælɪti/

noun phraseC2GRE

formaltechnical

The concept in quantum mechanics that all particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.

This isn't about something being 'sometimes a wave, sometimes a particle,' but rather that it possesses both characteristics simultaneously, revealing one or the other depending on how it's observed or interacted with.

The story behind the word. This descriptive phrase combines 'wave' (from Old English wæġ 'moving water'), 'particle' (from Latin particula 'small part'), and 'duality' (from Latin dualis 'of two'). It emerged in the early 20th century as physicists grappled with experimental evidence showing that entities like light and electrons could behave as both waves and particles, challenging classical physics' clear distinctions.

Word relationships

complementarity principle: Niels Bohr's broader concept that certain properties (like wave and particle) cannot be simultaneously observed or measured with arbitrary precision, but are both necessary for a complete description.

Word family

dual (adjective): consisting of two parts, elements, or aspects
duality (noun): the state of being dual or having two parts

Collocations

demonstrate wave-particle duality
exhibit wave-particle duality

Example sentences

"The double-slit experiment vividly demonstrates wave-particle duality, showing electrons behaving as waves when unobserved and as particles when measured." Explaining a core quantum concept.
"Louis de Broglie first proposed the concept of wave-particle duality for matter, suggesting that all particles have an associated wavelength." Discussing its historical development.
"Understanding wave-particle duality is crucial for grasping the counter-intuitive nature of the quantum world, where classical distinctions break down." Summarizing a fundamental aspect of quantum reality.

Memory hook

Think of a 'DUAL' nature, like a superhero who is both a mild-mannered person and a powerful hero. A quantum entity has a 'WAVE' side and a 'PARTICLE' side. Two-sided nature

When not to use

Do not use this phrase outside of a scientific context, as it has a very specific meaning in quantum physics.

Fun facts

The double-slit experiment, performed with electrons, famously illustrates wave-particle duality: electrons sent one by one still create an interference pattern, as if each electron passed through both slits simultaneously.
Even large molecules, like buckyballs (C60), have been shown to exhibit wave-particle duality in experiments.

Related words

particle, wave function

Explore more words

duality, Quantum, dualism, diffraction, Nanomaterial, radiation