Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation

Short Definition

Dual nature means that matter and radiation exhibit both particle and wave properties.

Detailed Explanation

Light and other electromagnetic radiation show wave behavior (interference, diffraction) and particle behavior (photons in photoelectric effect). Similarly, matter particles like electrons can show wave-like properties (de Broglie hypothesis).

Key Concepts

• Photoelectric effect: Emission of electrons from metal by light
• Photon energy: E = hf
• de Broglie wavelength: λ = h / p
• Wave-particle duality principle

Importance

This concept is fundamental for quantum physics, electron microscopy, lasers, and understanding atomic and subatomic phenomena.