dual nature of light

Dual Nature of Light

Wave-Particle Duality Interactive Simulation

Wave Nature

Particle Nature

Both (Duality)

WAVE

PARTICLE

Wavelength (nm)

Gamma Rays → Radio Waves: 500 nm

Intensity (Number of Photons)

Low → High: 50

Experiment Mode

Double Slit → Photoelectric: Both

Understanding Wave-Particle Duality

Light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, a fundamental concept in quantum physics. This simulation demonstrates how light behaves differently under various experimental conditions.

Wave Nature (Huygens, Maxwell): Light exhibits interference, diffraction, and polarization. The double-slit experiment shows wave-like behavior with interference patterns.

Particle Nature (Einstein’s Photons): Light consists of discrete packets of energy called photons. The photoelectric effect demonstrates particle-like behavior where photons eject electrons from metals.

Complementarity Principle (Bohr): Light cannot show both wave and particle properties simultaneously in the same experiment. The experimental setup determines which behavior dominates.

Wave Behavior

Particle Behavior

Photons