Golfdeeltje

Golfdeeltje is a Dutch term that translates to "wave particle" in English. It refers to the concept in quantum mechanics that subatomic particles, such as electrons and photons, exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. This duality is a fundamental principle of quantum theory.

The wave-like nature of these particles is described by a wave function, which represents the probability of finding the particle in a particular state or location. This wave function can interfere with itself, much like classical waves, leading to phenomena such as diffraction and interference patterns observed in experiments like the double-slit experiment.

Conversely, when a measurement is made, the golfdeeltje behaves as a discrete particle. The act of observation or interaction causes the wave function to "collapse," localizing the particle to a specific point. This probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics means that outcomes of individual events cannot be predicted with certainty, only the probabilities of different outcomes.

The concept of the golfdeeltje, or wave-particle duality, was a significant departure from classical physics, which treated waves and particles as distinct entities. It is essential for understanding phenomena across various fields of physics, including atomic structure, light, and solid-state physics.