Explain Duality Theory: Relativity & Davisson-Germer Exp.

In summary, the conversation discussed the topic of duality theory, specifically in relation to the relativity phenomenon and the wave-particle duality of electrons. It was mentioned that the Davisson and Germer experiment proved the wave nature of electrons, but the cause of this duality was questioned. The participants also discussed the idea that the wave-particle duality is a result of the way physics is researched and how it may not accurately reflect reality.
  • #1
rohans
7
0
explanation of duality theory ?

relativity phenomenon is largely based on the duality principle . the davisson and germer experiment proved the wave nature of electrons . however i wish to understand the cause of it .
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


relativity phenomenon is largely based on the duality principle
Not that I'm aware of. Which duality principle are you talking about?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duality_(disambiguation)#Physics
the davisson and germer experiment proved the wave nature of electrons
Wave-particle duality perhaps? This is not particularly a relativity thing.
i wish to understand the cause of it
Why does it have to have a cause?

Wave-particle duality comes out of the way physics has historically been researched - the duality is in the physical models and not reality.
[We are like the three blind men investigating the elephant - "it's a rope" cries one, holding the tail; "no it's a wall", cries another, patting it's flanks; "nonono it's a snake" cries another wrapped in the trunk; the first two getting together may decide that an elephant has rope-wall duality - but actually it's an elephant.[*]]

In nature, an electron is an electron is an electron ... it is itself and not a wave or a particle. The wave and particle models are just a mistake we have realized we were making. So what causes mistakes?

------------------------------

[*] in the corrollory - the wise man being investigated by three bind elephants - the elephants get a more consistent view of humans: all humans, they conclude, are flat.
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Explain Duality Theory: Relativity & Davisson-Germer Exp.

What is duality theory?

Duality theory is a concept in physics that suggests that light and matter can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on the experimental conditions. This theory is often associated with Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and the Davisson-Germer experiment.

How does duality theory relate to relativity?

Einstein's theory of relativity, specifically the special theory of relativity, proposes that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. This means that the behavior of light and matter must also be consistent for all observers, which supports the idea of duality theory.

What is the Davisson-Germer experiment?

The Davisson-Germer experiment was a landmark experiment conducted in 1927 by physicists Clinton Davisson and Lester Germer. They observed that electrons can behave like waves when passing through a crystal, which supported the idea of duality theory. This experiment also provided evidence for the wave-particle duality of matter.

How does the Davisson-Germer experiment support duality theory?

The Davisson-Germer experiment showed that electrons can exhibit wave-like behavior, which is a key aspect of duality theory. This experiment provided evidence that particles, such as electrons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on the experimental conditions.

Is duality theory widely accepted?

Yes, duality theory is widely accepted in the scientific community and has been supported by numerous experiments and observations. It is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics and has been crucial in our understanding of the behavior of light and matter at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Back
Top