Evans SPH 4U1

Physics Grade 12

Unit 9: Quantum Theory

Note 5: Wave-Particle Duality

Reference: Chapter 12.2

So far,

~ Blackbody Radiation, Compton effect and the Photoelectric Effect show light behaving as a particle.

~ Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction, Interference, and Polarization show light behaving like a wave.

Taylor's Experiment:

Demonstrated that the wave model determines the probability that a photon will be at a certain position in space at a given time.

For plain particles the probability of being in a certain place is either 100% or 0%.  HOWEVER, it is not so for photons.

For example - If the wave model predicts constructive interference then the probability is high that a photon will be in that position.

Bohr's Principle of Complementarity:

One must use either the wave theory or the photon theory but not both.

As a general rule, when light passes through a medium or space it behaves like a wave. Light behaves as a particle when it reacts with matter.

Wave Nature of Matter:

Louis de Broglie suggested that, if light sometimes behaves like a wave and sometimes like a particle, then perhaps particles of matter might also have wave properties.  He proposed that the wavelength of a particle would be related to its momentum in the same way as for a photon. This wavelength is called de Broglie's wavelength.

Recall:                      Then: 

He called them matter waves - originally people thought he was 'nuts' and they held back his graduation.

This does not say that if you hit a baseball, it will all of a sudden start dancing like a wave.

Example Problem:

Calculate the wavelength of a bullet which has a mass of 18 g when it is traveling at a speed of 9.5 x 10² m/s. (Answer: 3.9 x 10^-35 m)

Note how small this is - it is so negligible that it doesn't come into everyday life