The Wave-Like Nature of Electrons: Electric & Magnetic Fields

In summary, when we say that an electron acts like a wave, we mean that it exists as an extended entity most of the time, but appears as a local, point particle when measured. This is often referred to as wave-particle duality and is best understood through the double slit experiment. The concept of particles, such as electrons, existing as waves is fundamental to understanding quantum mechanics.
  • #1
ankities
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when we say , electron acts like a wave ,does we mean to say that it produces electric and magnetic field or em waves varying with distance and time
 
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  • #2
ankities said:
when we say , electron acts like a wave ,does we mean to say that it produces electric and magnetic field or em waves varying with distance and time

No, that's not what we mean. Google for "electron double-slit", you'll find some decent explanations.
 
  • #3
Why particles, such as the electron exist, why we have the particles we observe, why they have certain characteristics and not others, why all particles exhibit 'wave particle duality', is because...well, it's just that way!

Good suggestion from Nugatory to read about the double slit experiment. Richard Feynman said that if you really understand the double slit experiment, you know everything about quantum mechanics.


A couple of quotes from other discussions I saved from other discussions which may help:

Particles appear in rare situations when they are registered... The trouble with the particle concept is that one cannot attribute a permanent existence. It only exists at the moment it is detected.

The prior comments mean that electrons [and other particles] are modeled mathematically as to usually exist as waves except when we detect them in some measuring device. This means electrons behave as extended entities most of the time but when we detect them, when we measure them, they appear as local, point entities, or [local] quanta...that is, what we commonly call 'particles'. These are the individual 'blips' in the 'double slit experiment'. There is a brief current discussion here

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=703021
"mechanism behind photon absorption and photon emission"

which might also give you insights. The third post discusses the analogy between a vibrating string and an electron as a'wave'...in other words, as an extended entity. In this model, the electron is thought of as an extended vibrating wave rather than as the point particle of the old [outdated] Bohr model.
 

Related to The Wave-Like Nature of Electrons: Electric & Magnetic Fields

1. What is the wave-like nature of electrons?

The wave-like nature of electrons refers to the fact that electrons, despite being considered as particles, also exhibit properties of waves. This means that they can behave like waves, with characteristics such as interference and diffraction, in addition to their particle-like behavior.

2. How do electric and magnetic fields affect the behavior of electrons?

Electric and magnetic fields can influence the motion and behavior of electrons. Electric fields can accelerate or decelerate electrons, while magnetic fields can cause them to curve or change direction. These fields can also interact with each other, producing complex effects on the electrons.

3. What is the relationship between the wave-like nature of electrons and quantum mechanics?

The wave-like nature of electrons is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, which is the branch of physics that studies the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. Quantum mechanics explains the dual behavior of electrons as both particles and waves, and provides mathematical models to describe their behavior.

4. Can electrons behave like waves in a vacuum?

Yes, electrons can exhibit wave-like behavior in a vacuum, or in any medium where they are not in contact with other particles. This is because the wave-like behavior of electrons is a fundamental property that is not dependent on any external factors.

5. How does the wave-like nature of electrons contribute to our understanding of the structure of atoms?

The wave-like behavior of electrons is crucial in understanding the structure of atoms. The different energy levels and subatomic particles within an atom can be described using the wave functions of electrons, and their interactions with electric and magnetic fields. This helps us understand the arrangement and behavior of electrons within an atom, and how they contribute to the overall properties of different elements.

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