Yes, according to quantum mechanics, subatomic particles such as electrons can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. This is known as wave-particle duality. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and was first proposed by Louis de Broglie in 1924.
The behavior of subatomic particles is described by a mathematical framework called the wave function, which is a probability amplitude that characterizes the particle's quantum state. The wave function can be used to calculate the probability of finding a particle at a particular location or with a specific momentum.
When a particle's wave function is measured, it collapses to a single state, which corresponds to a localized particle. In this case, the particle behaves like a classical particle with definite position and momentum. This is often referred to as the particle aspect.
On the other hand, when the particle is not being measured, its wave function evolves according to the Schrödinger equation, which describes the wave-like behavior. The wave function can spread out and exhibit interference phenomena, similar to the behavior of waves.
The famous double-slit experiment provides a good illustration of wave-particle duality. When a beam of electrons or photons (particles of light) is passed through two slits and hits a screen, an interference pattern is observed, which is characteristic of waves. However, if the particles are observed individually, they behave like discrete particles and produce a pattern consistent with particle-like behavior.
It's important to note that wave-particle duality is not a property of the particles themselves, but rather a description of their behavior and the limitations of classical intuition when dealing with the microscopic world. The true nature of subatomic particles is still an area of active research and the interpretation of quantum mechanics remains a topic of debate among physicists.