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Fields and particles
Matter behaves as a particle, but under certain conditions also as a field.
Explanation
All quanta have particle and wave properties.
Example 1
The compton effect is the increase in wavelength of photons when they interact with electrons. This can be explained with quantum mechanics because it involves a collision of particles.
Example 2
Electron diffraction is the deflection phenomenon that occurs when electrons interact with atoms as a result of their wave nature. This can be explained with quantum mechanics because waves can move around objects and create interference patterns.
HistoryAmerican physicist Clinton Davisson demonstrated electron diffraction in 1927. |