Vågpartikeldulatiteten

Vågpartikeldulatiteten, often referred to as wave-particle duality, is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It posits that all quantum entities exhibit characteristics of both waves and particles.

This means that entities like electrons, photons, and even larger molecules can behave as discrete packets of energy or matter, occupying specific locations and possessing momentum, much like tiny balls. Simultaneously, these same entities can spread out, interfere with each other, and diffract, exhibiting wave-like properties such as wavelength and frequency.

The concept was first significantly explored by scientists like Max Planck and Albert Einstein, who introduced the idea of light quanta (photons) to explain the photoelectric effect. Later, Louis de Broglie extended this wave-particle duality to all matter, proposing that particles have an associated wavelength. Experimental evidence, such as the double-slit experiment performed with electrons, has consistently confirmed this duality.

Understanding wave-particle duality is crucial for comprehending phenomena such as quantum entanglement, superposition, and the probabilistic nature of quantum events. It highlights the limitations of classical physics in describing the microscopic world and forms the bedrock of modern quantum theory. The apparent contradiction between wave and particle behavior is resolved by recognizing that these are not mutually exclusive descriptions but rather complementary aspects of the same underlying quantum reality, observable depending on the experimental setup.