The nature of what we are made of is a complex and fascinating topic. In the realm of quantum mechanics, particles and waves are intimately connected through the concept of wave-particle duality.
On one hand, matter, including the atoms and subatomic particles that make up our bodies, can be described as particles. These particles have properties such as mass, charge, and spin. Examples of such particles include electrons, protons, and neutrons. These particles are localized entities that can be thought of as discrete units with specific positions and velocities.
On the other hand, these particles also exhibit wave-like behavior. This means that they can exhibit characteristics typically associated with waves, such as interference and diffraction. The wave-like behavior of particles is particularly pronounced on the microscopic scale, where quantum mechanics governs their behavior. The de Broglie wavelength, which I mentioned earlier, is an expression of the wave-like nature of particles.
So, when we consider the question of whether we are made of particles or waves, the answer lies in the concept of wave-particle duality. We are made of particles in the sense that our bodies are composed of atoms and subatomic particles, which can be described as localized entities. However, at the quantum level, these particles also exhibit wave-like behavior, and understanding their behavior often requires treating them as waves.
In summary, we are made of particles, but these particles can also exhibit wave-like behavior. The wave-particle duality is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics that describes the nature of the building blocks of matter.