matter wave

A matter wave refers to the concept that particles, like electrons or atoms, can exhibit wave-like behavior, a core idea in quantum mechanics. Instead of being solid points, these particles are also described by a wave function that spreads out over space, indicating their probable location. This duality means particles can interfere and diffract, much like light waves. The wavelength associated with a particle is related to its momentum by the de Broglie relation. Matter waves fundamentally challenge classical ideas, showing that at tiny scales, matter behaves both as particles and waves depending on how we observe it.