MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Subject: Please clarify Feynman's assertion of light behaving only as particle

Date: Thu Jul 9 09:10:04 2009
Posted by Ray
Grade level: grad (non-science) School: No school entered.
City: Largo State/Province: FL Country: USA
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1247155804.Ph
Message:

I was of understanding that all mass/energy was wave-like at its heart configured on a 
continuum from pure sine waves to "localized lumps" termed particles.
 I found this reference in an answer from your archives:

I’ll end with a quote from Richard Feynman from his
book “QED” (Chapter 1).  He won the Nobel Prize in 1964 for his
explanation of quantum electron dynamics:

“I want to emphasize that light comes in this form – particles.  It is 
very important to know that light behaves like particles, especially for 
those of you who have gone to school, where you were probably told 
something about light behaving like waves.  I’m telling you the way it 
DOES behave – like particles.”

---* Dr. Ken Beck
My question is-Is Feynman asserting that light always behaves as "localized wave packets" -or 
something else ? Please elaborate. Thank you.

[This question is referencing answer 1086639892.Ph -- SM]



Re: Please clarify Feynman's assertion of light behaving only as particle

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