Wavicle: Difference between revisions
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A '''wavicle''' is a [[point source]] used in the [[Huygens-Fresnel principle]], which states that each point of an advancing [[wavefront]] can be considered to be a point source, i.e. a wavicle, from which spherical waves propagate outwards. |
A '''wavicle''' is a [[point source]] used in the [[Huygens-Fresnel principle]], which states that each point of an advancing [[wavefront]] can be considered to be a point source, i.e. a wavicle, from which spherical waves propagate outwards. |
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In the [[quantum]] world, [[Elementary particle|particle]]s and [[wave]]s are simply twin facets of all entities. Waves can behave like particles, and particles can behave like waves. To remind us that both wave and particle are concepts imported from our macro world to explain the world of atomic-scale phenomena, the term wavicle was coined and used by physicists such as [[George Gamow]] to describe these quantum entities. The dual description of particles as waves and waves as particles turned out to be the key to unlocking the secrets of the quantum world, leading to the development of a satisfactory theory to account for the behavior of atoms, particles, and light. [http://darwin.nap.edu/openbook/0309084105/html/36.html] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 11:27, 6 September 2006
A wavicle is a point source used in the Huygens-Fresnel principle, which states that each point of an advancing wavefront can be considered to be a point source, i.e. a wavicle, from which spherical waves propagate outwards.
See also
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