Is a photon a wave or a particle??

This question was answered most famously by Young's double slit experiment. The double slit experiment shows that photons (as well as all light and matter) can be thought of as both a wave AND a particle. As a beam of particles is fired at two slits the beam splits and reforms on the other side of the slits to form a diffraction pattern (wave-like). However, the diffraction patterns are always observed to be created from a build up of descrete points (particle-like). Sometimes we must use a wave model and sometimes a particle model to describe light and matter depending on the behaviour.   

Answered by Jono G. Physics tutor

1818 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does a negative velocity mean?


Describe the process of nuclear fission is induced


What is the total energy of a spaceship of mass m, orbiting a planet of mass M in a circular orbit with radius r? The ship and the planet are taken to be an isolated system.


Calculate the time taken for 1000L of water at rtp to be heated to 40degrees celsius using a 40kW heater


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences