According to quantum mechanics, particles such as electrons can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, which is known as wave-particle duality. This concept challenges our classical understanding of physics, where particles are thought to be distinct entities with precise positions and definite properties.
The wave-particle duality of electrons arises from the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics, described by wave functions and probabilities. The behavior of particles is described by a wave function, which is a mathematical function that encodes the probability distribution of various properties, such as position or momentum, of the particle.
When an electron is not being observed or measured, its behavior is described by a wave function, which can exhibit wave-like characteristics. This means that the electron's position or momentum is not precisely determined, but instead, it exists as a probability distribution spread out in space. The wave function describes the likelihood of finding the electron in different positions or states.
However, when an observation or measurement is made, the wave function collapses, and the electron is detected as a localized particle with specific properties. This collapse of the wave function occurs randomly and is described by the process known as wave function collapse or the measurement postulate in quantum mechanics.
The wave-particle duality is experimentally confirmed through various phenomena, such as the double-slit experiment, where electrons exhibit interference patterns characteristic of waves when passing through a barrier with two slits. This interference pattern suggests that electrons can interfere with themselves, behaving like waves. On the other hand, when individual electrons are detected, they behave as discrete particles.
In summary, according to quantum mechanics, particles like electrons can exhibit wave-like behavior described by a probability distribution when not observed and particle-like behavior when measured or observed. The wave-particle duality is a fundamental concept of quantum mechanics and one of the key aspects that distinguishes it from classical physics.