Light exhibits characteristics of both waves and particles, which is known as the wave-particle duality. The nature of light as either a wave or a particle depends on the context of observation or measurement.
In certain experiments and phenomena, light behaves as a wave. For example, light can undergo interference and diffraction, which are characteristic behaviors of waves. These phenomena can be explained using the wave nature of light, where light is described by an oscillating electromagnetic wave.
On the other hand, in other experiments and phenomena, light behaves as a particle, specifically as discrete packets of energy called photons. This particle-like behavior of light can be observed in phenomena such as the photoelectric effect or the Compton effect, where light interacts with matter in a manner consistent with the behavior of particles.
The wave-particle duality of light is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics. It suggests that light can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, depending on how it is observed or measured. The choice of whether to describe light as a wave or a particle depends on the specific experiment or phenomenon under consideration.
It's important to note that light is not the only entity that exhibits wave-particle duality. Other elementary particles, such as electrons, also exhibit this duality. This principle highlights the unique and sometimes counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics.