According to the principles of quantum mechanics, particles can exhibit wave-like behavior. This is known as wave-particle duality. In certain experiments, particles such as electrons, protons, and even larger objects like atoms and molecules, can behave as both particles and waves.
The wave-like behavior of particles is described by their associated wave function, which characterizes the probability distribution of finding the particle at different locations. The wave function undergoes interference and diffraction, phenomena typically associated with waves.
However, it's important to note that particles are not literally waves in a physical sense. The wave-particle duality refers to the fact that particles can exhibit properties of both waves and particles, depending on the experimental setup and observation method. In some experiments, particles may exhibit wave-like behavior, while in others they may behave more like localized particles.
It's worth mentioning that the behavior of particles at the macroscopic level, such as everyday objects, is not typically governed by quantum effects and wave-particle duality. The wave-like behavior is more prominent at the microscopic level, where quantum mechanics becomes significant.