Physics A-Level
Wave–particle duality of electromagnetic radiation
What Wave–particle duality of electromagnetic radiation means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Wave–particle duality of electromagnetic radiation
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Reference: AQA
Electromagnetic radiation has both wave and particle properties; the photon model is needed for emission and absorption, while wave behaviour explains diffraction and interference.
Topics that use Wave–particle duality of electromagnetic radiation
- The discovery of photoelectricity (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Intensity
- Limitations of classical wave theory
- Photon energy and frequency
- Planck constant
- Planck's quantum hypothesis
- Quanta
- Quantisation of energy
- Threshold frequency
Using Wave–particle duality of electromagnetic radiation in the exam
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