The concept of light as both a wave and a particle simultaneously arises from the field of quantum mechanics. It is known as the wave-particle duality of light. This duality implies that light exhibits characteristics of both waves and particles, depending on the experimental context in which it is observed.
The wave-particle duality of light can be understood through a phenomenon called the double-slit experiment, which I mentioned earlier. In this experiment, light exhibits wave-like behavior by creating an interference pattern, suggesting that it behaves as a wave. However, when individual photons are detected on the screen, they behave as discrete particles, indicating a particle-like nature.
The difference between light and macroscopic objects like tables lies in their inherent nature and scale. Light is composed of particles called photons, which are elementary particles. These particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties simultaneously, as described by quantum mechanics.
On the other hand, macroscopic objects like tables are composed of a large number of atoms and molecules. At this scale, the wave-like nature of individual particles becomes negligible, and the objects behave classically according to Newtonian physics. Tables can be described as solid objects with definite positions and properties, whereas light exhibits wave-particle duality due to its quantum nature.
The distinction between light and macroscopic objects arises from the fundamental differences in their scale, composition, and the laws that govern their behavior. While macroscopic objects are governed by classical mechanics, light, at its fundamental level, behaves according to the laws of quantum mechanics, where wave-particle duality is a fundamental principle.