Question

What is the wave particle duality of light?

Answer 1

Hint: In physics and chemistry, wave-particle duality states that light and matter have both wave and particle qualities. The concept of duality is based on a discussion about the nature of light and matter that dates back to the \[1600s\] , when Christiaan Huygens and Isaac Newton offered rival theories of light.

Complete step by step answer:
The easiest way to understand light is to realise that it contains both wave and particle qualities.Light moves in the form of a wave. The following relationship can be used to determine the qualities of light.
Speed = wavelength \[ \times \] frequency
speed of light \[= 3.0{\text{ }} \times {10^8}ms{{\text{ }}^{ - 1}}\].....(this can change slightly depending on what material light is travelling through)

Wavelength is the distance between the crests of a wave (normally measured in nanometers)
Frequency is defined as the number of wave cycles that pass through a fixed point in one second (unit of \[\dfrac{1}{s}\] or \[Hertz - Hz\] ). We also know that light is made up of photons, which are tiny particles. Understanding the phenomena of atomic spectra and the photoelectric effect requires this knowledge.

When electrons jump from higher to lower energy levels, they produce a photon of light with the same energy as the quantum leap made by the electron. When we do a flame test, watch fireworks, or gaze at neon lights, we can see evidence of these photons. When photons impact certain materials (such as Si), electrons can be knocked out of their orbitals.This is used by a solar cell to create an electron flow through a circuit (electric current).

Note: The wave-particle duality is significant because it allows all aspects of light and matter to be explained using a differential equation that depicts a wave function, usually in the form of the Schrodinger equation.