The wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics is not caused by any external factor or specific mechanism. It is a fundamental property of quantum objects, such as electrons, that arises from the mathematical formalism of the theory.
In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wave functions, which are mathematical entities that contain information about the probabilities of different outcomes when measuring certain properties of the particles, such as position or momentum. These wave functions can exhibit wave-like behavior, including interference and diffraction, similar to classical waves like light or sound.
The wave-like behavior of particles is a consequence of the underlying mathematical equations that govern quantum mechanics, particularly the Schrödinger equation. This equation describes how the wave function of a particle evolves over time. Solutions to the Schrödinger equation typically take the form of waves, with different shapes and patterns depending on the particular system being described.
On the other hand, when a measurement is made on a quantum system, the wave function "collapses" to a specific value corresponding to the observed outcome. This collapse is a probabilistic event, and the probability distribution of different outcomes is determined by the initial wave function.
The specific outcome of the measurement is determined randomly according to the probabilities encoded in the wave function. Once the measurement is made, the particle appears as a localized entity, behaving like a classical particle with definite properties such as position or momentum.
The wave-particle duality is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics and is not fully explainable in classical terms. It represents a departure from our intuitive understanding of the behavior of macroscopic objects. While there have been various interpretations and philosophical debates surrounding wave-particle duality, its precise nature and origin are still subjects of ongoing research and investigation in the field of quantum physics.