Wave-particle duality is a core concept in quantum mechanics, describing how fundamental particles exhibit both wave and particle properties.

From 17th century, light was debated as particles vs waves. Newton favored particles, Huygens waves; dual behavior confirmed by 1800s experiments.

Electrons initially seen as particles till wave behavior discovered. de Broglie proposed electrons as wave packets, confirmed by later experiments.

Schrödinger's wave equation modeled electron motion, forming basis of quantum wave mechanics, revolutionizing particle understanding.

Davisson-Germer and Thomson-Reid experiments confirmed electrons exhibit wave properties, integral in Nobel Prize-winning research.

Classical physics separates waves and particles; quantum systems show overlap, with waves obeying probability-based equations.

Famous experiment showing electrons form interference pattern when unobserved, displaying wave behavior, but act like particles when observed.

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Compton's experiments in 1920s demonstrated light's momentum, supporting photon particle behavior, resolving earlier controversies.

Inserting detectors in experiments eliminates interference patterns, highlighting observer effect in quantum mechanics.