What phenomenon demonstrates that particles can behave like waves?

The concept of wave-particle duality is crucial in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level. This principle states that every particle or quantic entity, such as electrons and photons, exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. For example, electrons can demonstrate interference patterns, a characteristic behavior of waves, in experiments such as the double-slit experiment. When electrons travel through two closely spaced slits, they create an interference pattern on a screen, indicating wave behavior. However, when observed, these electrons can also appear as discrete particles.

The phenomenon of wave-particle duality fundamentally changes our understanding of the nature of light and matter, suggesting that they cannot be solely classified as either waves or particles but rather possess characteristics of both depending on the context of the observation. This dual nature challenges classical physics concepts, and is a cornerstone of quantum mechanics, illustrating the complex and intriguing behavior of matter and energy on microscopic scales.

Other choices do not adequately capture this overarching principle. Photonic behavior refers specifically to the behavior of photons as particles of light, which, while relevant, does not encompass the duality that can apply to all particles. Cyclic rotation pertains to motion in a circular path, and polarization effects involve the orientation of waves,