Which of the following statements correctly describes wave-particle duality?

• A. Wave-particle duality is only observed at macroscopic scales.
• B. Particles such as electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties depending on the experiment performed.
• C. Wave-particle duality means that particles can only behave as waves and never as particles.
• D. Only light exhibits wave-particle duality, while matter does not.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that wave-particle duality is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics describing how every particle or quantum entity exhibits both wave and particle properties.
2. Recognize that this duality is not limited to light alone; particles such as electrons, neutrons, and even larger molecules can show wave-like behavior under certain conditions.
3. Note that wave-particle duality is most evident at microscopic scales (atomic and subatomic levels), not at macroscopic scales where classical physics dominates.
4. Recall that depending on the type of experiment performed (such as the double-slit experiment), particles can display interference patterns characteristic of waves or behave like discrete particles.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that particles such as electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties depending on the experiment performed.