Modern Physics - Quantum Mechanics - SS2 Physics Past Questions and Answers - page 1

Wave-particle duality is the concept that particles, such as electrons and photons, can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. One example of an experiment that supports this idea is the double-slit experiment, where particles, such as electrons or photons, are sent through two closely spaced slits and produce an interference pattern on a screen, indicating their wave-like behaviour. Another example is the photoelectric effect, where light behaves as discrete particles called photons, causing the emission of electrons from a metal surface.

The uncertainty principle, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, states that there is a fundamental limit to the simultaneous precision with which certain pairs of physical properties can be known. Specifically, it applies to the simultaneous measurement of the position and momentum of a particle. The principle states that as the uncertainty in the measurement of one property decreases, the uncertainty in the measurement of the other property increases. This means that there is an inherent trade-off between knowing the exact position and momentum of a particle.