The concept of a particle being either a wave or a particle is a simplification often used to explain the behavior of particles in different situations. In reality, particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties simultaneously, and the distinction between the two becomes less clear-cut at the quantum level.
The wave-particle duality suggests that particles can exhibit different characteristics depending on the experimental setup or observation being made. The behavior of a particle is described by its wave function, which contains information about the probability distribution of its properties. When the wave function is collapsed through measurement or interaction, the particle manifests itself as a localized entity with definite properties, resembling a classical particle.
In certain experiments or situations, the wave-like behavior of particles becomes more pronounced. For example, when particles undergo diffraction or interference, their wave nature becomes apparent. This is observed in experiments like the double-slit experiment, where particles create an interference pattern on a screen, indicating wave-like behavior.
On the other hand, in other situations where interactions with the environment or measurements are involved, the particle-like behavior becomes dominant. When a particle is detected or measured, it exhibits a definite position, momentum, or other observable properties, similar to a classical particle.
The wave-particle duality implies that the nature of a particle is not fixed but depends on the specific circumstances of the experiment or observation being conducted. It is important to note that the wave-particle duality is not a contradiction but rather a fundamental characteristic of quantum entities, and it requires a more nuanced understanding beyond the simple classification of particles as purely waves or purely particles.