Photons are best described as particles that exhibit wave-like behavior. According to the wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics, particles such as photons can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like characteristics, depending on the context of the experiment or observation.
As quantized packets of energy, photons are considered fundamental particles of light. They have properties of particles, such as having a definite position and momentum when measured. In this sense, photons can be thought of as discrete entities with quantized energy.
However, when it comes to the behavior and interactions of photons, they exhibit wave-like properties. This wave-like behavior is most evident in phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and the photoelectric effect. For example, in the double-slit experiment, when a beam of light (composed of photons) is passed through two slits, an interference pattern is observed on a screen, similar to what is seen with waves. This interference pattern suggests that the photons are behaving as waves, interfering with each other constructively or destructively.
Furthermore, the wave-like behavior of photons is mathematically described by the concept of the wavefunction, which represents the probability distribution of finding a photon at different locations. The wavefunction obeys wave equations and can be used to describe the diffraction and interference patterns observed in experiments involving photons.
So, while photons are considered particles, they also exhibit wave-like properties. It is important to note that this wave-particle duality is not limited to photons but applies to other elementary particles as well, such as electrons and protons. The behavior of these particles is best described by the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics, where particles are represented by wavefunctions and can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior.