In the realm of physics, particles and waves are distinct but interconnected concepts used to describe different aspects of the behavior of matter and energy.
Particles are often thought of as localized entities with mass and can be viewed as discrete "building blocks" of matter. They possess specific attributes such as position, momentum, and energy. Examples of particles include electrons, protons, and neutrons.
Waves, on the other hand, refer to the propagation of disturbances or oscillations through a medium or in space. They are characterized by properties such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. Waves can be found in various forms, including electromagnetic waves (such as light), sound waves, and water waves.
One of the remarkable aspects of quantum physics is the wave-particle duality, which suggests that entities like electrons and photons can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behaviors. This means that particles, such as electrons, can exhibit wave-like properties under certain circumstances, and waves, such as light, can exhibit particle-like properties in specific experiments.
Regarding your question about particles being transmitted as waves through space at faster than light speeds, according to our current understanding of physics, particles with mass cannot travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (denoted as 'c'). This limitation is a fundamental principle known as the "speed of light barrier" or "causality principle."
While particles with mass are subject to this speed limit, certain wave-like phenomena can travel faster than the speed of light in a medium. For example, in certain conditions, a disturbance in a medium can propagate faster than the speed of light in that medium. However, this doesn't imply that information or matter is being transmitted faster than light. These phenomena are known as "superluminal" or "faster-than-light" propagation but do not violate the underlying principle that information cannot be transmitted faster than light speed.
It's important to note that the concept of particles being transmitted as waves faster than light is not a currently accepted phenomenon in mainstream physics. The behavior of particles and waves, particularly in the realm of quantum mechanics, is complex and requires careful study and experimentation to understand fully.