0
Talking about conventional physics, a wave is the movement of energy through a massive group of particles, be it through either longitudinal, or transverse type waves. A particle is the medium that all waves move through.
When we get to light however, there is a different story entirely, and only quantum physics can really answer that. A light ray is made up of photons (hence why a "wave" of any kind must be travelling through, or with, some kind of particle. Without a particle, there is no wave.
Quantum theory states that everything is particles and waves, which resolves to everything is particles, which then resolves to everything is fields (fields being a type of wave, I suppose)
So, for all but the purpose for quantum physics, a wave is the movement of energy through a medium (eg, liquid, gas or air) and a particle is simply a piece of matter, an atom, a molecule... anything you can see really.
What else can I help you with?
Is light both a wave and a particle?
Yes, light exhibits properties of both a wave and a particle, known as wave-particle duality.
Is light a wave or a particle?
Light exhibits characteristics of both a wave and a particle, known as wave-particle duality. It can behave as a wave in some situations and as a particle in others, depending on the experiment being conducted.
How does the propagation of sound in a medium differ between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave?
In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while in a longitudinal wave, the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave. This difference in particle movement affects how sound propagates in the medium.
Why is the wave nature of particle no more apparent in your daily life?
The wave nature of particles is not apparent in our daily life because on a macroscopic scale, particles behave more like distinct entities with well-defined positions rather than spread-out waves. In everyday situations, the effects of wave behavior are typically masked by the large number of particles involved and the complex interactions between them.
How does the motion of the medium differ between transverse and longitudinal waves?
In transverse waves, the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, creating crests and troughs. In longitudinal waves, the particle motion is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, causing compressions and rarefactions in the medium.
Why is the wave particle duality ignored in everyday life?
Wave particle duality is almost ignored in everyday life mainly because the reactions involved especially with light is so miniscule that it only occurs in special situations and is hardly noticeable
Is light both a wave and a particle?
Yes, light exhibits properties of both a wave and a particle, known as wave-particle duality.
Is light a wave or a particle?
Light exhibits characteristics of both a wave and a particle, known as wave-particle duality. It can behave as a wave in some situations and as a particle in others, depending on the experiment being conducted.
How does the propagation of sound in a medium differ between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave?
In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while in a longitudinal wave, the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave. This difference in particle movement affects how sound propagates in the medium.
Why is the wave nature of particle no more apparent in your daily life?
The wave nature of particles is not apparent in our daily life because on a macroscopic scale, particles behave more like distinct entities with well-defined positions rather than spread-out waves. In everyday situations, the effects of wave behavior are typically masked by the large number of particles involved and the complex interactions between them.
How does the motion of the medium differ between transverse and longitudinal waves?
In transverse waves, the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, creating crests and troughs. In longitudinal waves, the particle motion is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, causing compressions and rarefactions in the medium.
How can you show that a particle returns to its position when the wave has passed?
When a wave passes through a particle, the particle oscillates around its equilibrium position. If the wave is a simple harmonic wave, the particle will return to its original position after one complete wave cycle since the restoring force is proportional and opposite to the displacement of the particle. Mathematically, this can be shown by analyzing the equation of motion for the particle.
What is being carried from particle to particle in a water wave?
Energy is being carried from particle to particle in a water wave, causing the particles to move in a circular motion as the wave passes through. This energy transfer enables the wave to propagate through the water.
What is the maximum transverse speed of a particle on a wave?
The maximum transverse speed of a particle on a wave is equal to the amplitude of the wave multiplied by the angular frequency of the wave.
Is the emission of electromagnetic radiation by an excited atom is it a wave or a particle?
a particle traveling in wave form.
Is the emission of electromagnetic radiation by an excited atom a wave or particle theory?
wave theory of light
What is the maximum displacement of a particle of a wave called?
The maximum displacement of a particle of a wave is called the amplitude. It refers to how far the particle moves from its equilibrium position as the wave passes through it.
