The wave-particle duality observed in quantum mechanics can indeed challenge our classical understanding of reality. Describing particles as both waves and particles can seem contradictory or counterintuitive from a classical perspective. However, it's important to note that the wave-particle duality is not a mere metaphor or an attempt to anthropomorphize particles—it is a fundamental characteristic of quantum mechanics supported by extensive experimental evidence.
Quantum mechanics, which is the theoretical framework that describes the behavior of particles on a microscopic scale, provides a mathematical framework that accurately predicts and explains experimental results. The wave-particle duality is an inherent aspect of this framework and has been experimentally verified in numerous experiments, such as the double-slit experiment and electron diffraction.
While it may be challenging to conceptualize particles as simultaneously exhibiting wave-like and particle-like behavior, it's essential to remember that our classical intuition and everyday experiences are based on macroscopic objects. The rules that govern the behavior of quantum particles are fundamentally different from those that apply to macroscopic objects. Thus, describing particles as both waves and particles is an attempt to reconcile the observed phenomena with the mathematical framework that accurately predicts and explains them.
In a sense, our descriptions of waves and particles in quantum mechanics are mathematical abstractions that allow us to make sense of and predict the behavior of quantum phenomena. They provide a framework that aligns with experimental observations, even if they stretch our classical intuitions. Quantum mechanics has proven to be an incredibly successful and precise theory, allowing us to make predictions and develop technologies that have transformed many fields, such as electronics, materials science, and quantum computing.