Wave-particle duality

In physics, wave-particle duality holds that light and matter can exhibit properties of both waves and of particles. This concept is a key part of quantum mechanics.

Fresnel, Maxwell, and Young

In the early 1800s, the double-slit experiments by Young and Fresnel provided evidence for Huygens' theories: these experiments showed that when light is sent through a grid, a characteristic interference pattern is observed, very similar to the pattern resulting from the interference of water waves; the wavelength of light can be computed from such patterns. Maxwell, during the late-1800s, explained light as the propagation of electromagnetic waves with the Maxwell equations. These equations were verified by experiment, and Huygens' view became widely accepted.

Related Topics:
1800s - Double-slit experiment - Young - Fresnel - Evidence - Huygens' - Grid - Interference - Pattern - Observed - Water - Computed - Maxwell - Electromagnetic wave - Maxwell equations

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