No, wave-particle duality is not a myth. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, which is a well-established and extensively tested theory that describes the behavior of particles at the microscopic scale.
Wave-particle duality refers to the observation that particles, such as photons or electrons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties under different experimental conditions. This means that these particles can exhibit behaviors characteristic of waves, such as interference and diffraction, as well as behaviors characteristic of particles, such as localized positions and definite momenta.
The wave-particle duality was first proposed by Louis de Broglie and was later experimentally confirmed through various experiments, including the double-slit experiment I mentioned earlier. Numerous experiments have since demonstrated the validity of this concept.
It is important to note that wave-particle duality does not mean that particles are simultaneously waves and particles at the same time. Instead, it suggests that the behavior of particles is described by wave functions, which are mathematical descriptions that exhibit wave-like properties. The actual outcome of a measurement determines whether the particle behaves as a wave or a particle.
Wave-particle duality is a central aspect of quantum mechanics and has been successfully applied in various fields, including particle physics, atomic physics, and condensed matter physics. It is supported by a wealth of experimental evidence and is an integral part of our current understanding of the microscopic world.