The wave-particle duality of particles, including photons, is not solely dependent on their speed. It is a fundamental property of quantum mechanics that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, regardless of their speed.
The behavior of particles at high speeds, such as electrons or other elementary particles, can indeed display wave-like characteristics. This behavior is described by a concept known as matter wave or de Broglie wave, which is associated with the wave-like nature of particles. According to the de Broglie wavelength, the wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its momentum.
However, it is important to note that this wave-like behavior is not simply a result of high-speed motion. Even at low speeds, particles can exhibit wave-like properties, as demonstrated by various experiments in quantum mechanics.
The wave-particle duality arises from the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics, which describes the behavior of particles in terms of probability waves. These waves are used to determine the likelihood of finding a particle at a specific location or with a specific property.
In experiments such as the double-slit experiment, where particles are fired one by one, they display interference patterns characteristic of waves, even at low speeds. This phenomenon cannot be explained by particles simply moving fast, but rather by the inherent probabilistic nature and wave-like behavior of particles at the quantum level.
So, while high-speed motion can affect certain properties of particles, the wave-particle duality is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics that applies to all particles, regardless of their speed.