Particles and waves: The central mystery of quantum mechanics - Chad Orzel
1,084,599 Views
11,274 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
One of the most amazing facts in physics is that everything in the universe, from light to electrons to atoms, behaves like both a particle and a wave at the same time. But how did physicists arrive at this mind-boggling conclusion? Chad Orzel recounts the string of scientists who built on each other’s discoveries to arrive at this ‘central mystery’ of quantum mechanics.
Quantum mechanics tells us that everything in the universe has some characteristics of waves, and some characteristics of particles. Can you think of any other examples (in physics or another subject) of things that turn out to be described not as purely one thing or another, but a mix of two different models?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Chad Orzel
- Director Joana Bartolomeu
- Narrator Addison Anderson
