Yes, light can exhibit particle-like properties, which is one of the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics. According to the theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED), light can be described as both a wave and a stream of particles called photons.
The particle-like nature of light is evident in certain phenomena, such as the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect, where light interacts with matter in a way that is consistent with the behavior of particles. In the photoelectric effect, for example, photons of light can transfer their energy to electrons in a material, causing the electrons to be ejected. This phenomenon can only be explained by treating light as discrete packets of energy (photons) rather than as a continuous wave.
The wave-like properties of light, on the other hand, are manifested in phenomena such as interference and diffraction, where light waves can interfere with each other or bend around obstacles.
The wavelength and frequency of light waves are closely related to their particle-like properties. The wavelength of light determines its color or spectral characteristics, and it represents the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of the light wave. The frequency of light, measured in hertz (Hz), represents the number of wave cycles passing a given point per second. The relationship between wavelength (λ), frequency (f), and the speed of light (c) is given by the equation c = λf, where c is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum.
According to the particle-wave duality of light, the energy of a single photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. This relationship is described by Planck's equation, E = hf, where E is the energy of a photon, h is Planck's constant (approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 joule-seconds), and f is the frequency of the light wave.
In summary, light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. The wavelength and frequency of light waves determine their color and energy, while the particle nature of light is described by photons, which carry discrete packets of energy proportional to the frequency of the light wave.