Light behaves as what dual nature?

Light exhibits a dual nature, behaving both as a particle and as a wave, which is central to the understanding of quantum mechanics. This duality is illustrated by phenomena such as the photoelectric effect, where light can be seen to induce the release of electrons from a material, suggesting particle characteristics, as well as interference and diffraction patterns that show wave properties.

The particle aspect of light is often represented in the form of photons, which are quantized packets of energy. Each photon carries a specific amount of energy that is dependent on its frequency. Meanwhile, the wave nature of light can be observed through its behavior as it travels and interacts with various materials, creating patterns typical of waves, such as constructive and destructive interference.

Understanding that light is not limited to just one behavior but possesses both characteristics is crucial in various fields of physics and chemistry, as it influences theories related to atomic structure, the behavior of electrons, and the interaction of light with matter.