Yes, scientists believe that light exhibits both particle-like and wave-like behavior. This understanding is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which describes the behavior of subatomic particles, including photons, which are the fundamental particles of light.
The dual nature of light, often referred to as wave-particle duality, was first proposed by Albert Einstein and later developed by other physicists such as Louis de Broglie and Erwin Schrödinger. According to this concept, light can behave as both a wave and a particle depending on the experimental setup and observation.
The wave-like nature of light is evident in phenomena such as interference and diffraction, where light waves can interact and produce characteristic patterns. On the other hand, the particle-like behavior of light is observed in phenomena such as the photoelectric effect, where light exhibits discrete energy transfer as if composed of individual particles (photons).
So why do scientists believe in both? The answer lies in the experimental evidence. Numerous experiments and observations have demonstrated the wave-particle duality of light, and this understanding is consistent with the broader framework of quantum mechanics, which has been extensively tested and verified in numerous experiments.
It's important to note that the wave-particle duality is not unique to light. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that applies to other particles as well, such as electrons and even larger objects under specific conditions. The behavior of these particles cannot be explained solely by classical wave or particle theories, but rather requires a more comprehensive quantum mechanical framework.
Regarding your question about proving the existence of only one aspect (either particles or waves) rather than both, it's worth noting that scientists have conducted numerous experiments specifically designed to study the nature of light. These experiments consistently show that light exhibits characteristics of both particles and waves, depending on how it is observed and measured.
Attempting to prove the existence of only one aspect and discard the other would require challenging and overturning the vast body of experimental evidence and the well-established principles of quantum mechanics. As of now, there is no scientific evidence or experimental result that suggests a single, exclusive description for light that eliminates its dual nature.