The wave/particle duality in quantum mechanics is a fundamental aspect of the theory that describes the behavior of particles at the microscopic level. While it may be tempting to simplify the concept by stating that everything is waves and particles are merely wave interactions, this perspective does not fully capture the complexity of quantum phenomena.
In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wave functions, which are mathematical representations that assign probabilities to different possible states or outcomes. These wave functions exhibit wave-like properties, such as interference and diffraction, which are characteristic of waves. At the same time, particles also exhibit particle-like behavior, such as localized position and discrete energy levels.
The wave-like and particle-like aspects are not simply reducible to each other or to some underlying wave interaction. The behavior of particles is intrinsically probabilistic and non-intuitive, often defying classical intuitions. The wave function describes the probability distribution of different measurement outcomes, and when a measurement is made, the wave function collapses to a specific value associated with the observed outcome.
While it is true that all particles exhibit wave-like properties, it is also important to recognize that particles have distinct characteristics, such as mass, charge, and spin, that go beyond the notion of waves. These characteristics influence how particles interact with each other and with their environment, leading to the rich variety of phenomena observed in the physical world.
In summary, the wave/particle duality in quantum mechanics is a concept that goes beyond a simple wave interaction perspective. It reflects the fundamental nature of particles and their behavior, which cannot be fully explained by classical intuitions. Quantum mechanics provides a mathematical framework that successfully describes and predicts the behavior of particles, encompassing both wave-like and particle-like aspects.