Subatomic particles, such as electrons, protons, and neutrons, also exhibit wave-particle duality, much like light. They can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors, depending on the experimental conditions and observations.
In quantum mechanics, subatomic particles are described by wavefunctions, which are mathematical functions that represent the probability amplitudes of finding the particles in different states. The wavefunction can exhibit wave-like behavior, such as interference and diffraction, similar to how waves in classical physics behave.
However, when a measurement is made on a subatomic particle, it is observed as a localized particle with definite properties, such as position or momentum. This particle-like behavior is often referred to as wavefunction collapse, where the wavefunction "collapses" into a specific state upon measurement.
The behavior of subatomic particles is typically described by quantum mechanics and its mathematical formalism, which allows for the prediction and calculation of probabilities of various outcomes. This wave-particle duality is a fundamental aspect of the quantum nature of the microscopic world and is a departure from our everyday classical intuitions.
In summary, subatomic particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors, and their description requires the understanding of both aspects. The wave-particle duality is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is crucial for explaining the behavior of subatomic particles.