Yes, it is accurate to say that light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior. This duality is known as the wave-particle duality of light, which is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.
In the aggregate, when we observe a large number of photons or a beam of light, it exhibits wave-like properties. This is evident in phenomena such as interference and diffraction, where light waves can interfere with each other or bend around obstacles, creating patterns characteristic of waves.
On the other hand, when we examine the behavior of individual photons, they can act as discrete particles. Photons are quantized packets of energy and can be detected as individual particles in experiments such as the photoelectric effect or the double-slit experiment performed with single photons. In these experiments, photons behave as particles, interacting with matter in a manner consistent with particle-like behavior.
It is important to note that wave-particle duality is not exclusive to light. Other subatomic particles, such as electrons, also exhibit this duality. The behavior of particles at the quantum level is described by wavefunctions, which represent the probability distribution of finding the particle at different locations or with different properties.
In summary, light behaves as a wave in its overall properties and exhibits particle-like behavior when observed at the level of individual photons. The wave-particle duality is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics and is a key concept in understanding the nature of light and matter.