Explain the wave - particle duality

If electrons are fired through a thin piece of graphite towards a screen an interference pattern forms.We can explain this by thinking of the electrons as having a wavelength, called the de Broglie wavelength. Electrons can be calculated to have wavelengths comparable to the spacing between the atoms in the graphite. As such, it diffracts on passing between atoms and interferes with itself.It is important to highlight that each individual electron lands in one place and this pattern emerges when many electrons are fired through. This, and other compelling evidence, suggests it is better to think of these waves as probability waves, not anything physically real.

Answered by Physics tutor

1832 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a potential divider?


what would be the mass required to keep an object with a mass of 250kg orbiting at a constant distance of 100km with a linear velocity of 100m/s?


The LHC accelerates protons to a speed of 0.999999991c around a 27km ring. Due to relativistic effects, their mass increases. Given that the magnetic fields used are 8T, calculate this mass. What is the total energy of an LHC beam containing 3e14 protons?


Given the rate of thermal energy transfer is 2.7kW, the volume of the water tank is 4.5m^3, the water is at a temperature of 28oC, density of water is 1000kgm-3 & c=4200Jkg-1K-1. Calculate the rise in water temperature that the heater could produce in 1hr


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning