The Dual Nature of Light

The dual nature of light means light behaves both as a wave and as particles called photons. As a wave, it can spread out, interfere, and create patterns, which explains phenomena like diffraction and polarization. As particles, photons carry energy and can be absorbed or emitted by atoms, explaining phenomena like the photoelectric effect. This duality is fundamental in quantum physics and helps us understand how light interacts with matter, showing that light's behavior depends on how we observe or measure it. Recognizing this dual nature reveals the complex, versatile behavior of light in nature.