Question

Choose the correct statement:

• A. Photons of light show diffraction whereas electrons do not show diffraction.
• B. Electrons have momentum whereas photons do not have momentum.
• C. Photons of light and electrons both exhibit dual nature.
• D. All electromagnetic radiations do not have photons.

Hint:

Wave-particle duality is a core concept of quantum mechanics. Both matter (like electrons) and energy (like photons) can exhibit wave-like and particle-like properties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

- The dual nature describes how entities can manifest as both waves and particles.
- Quantum theory posits that both photons (quanta of light) and electrons display characteristics of both particles and waves.
- The wave nature of electrons is unequivocally shown by electron diffraction experiments, whereas their particle nature is supported by the photoelectric effect.
- Likewise, photons exhibit wave phenomena (e.g., interference, diffraction) and particle phenomena (e.g., photoelectric effect, Compton effect).
To address other possibilities:
- Option (A) is incorrect as electrons do exhibit diffraction.
- Option (B) is incorrect; electrons and photons both carry momentum, with photons having \( p = \frac{h}{\lambda} \).
- Option (D) is incorrect because all electromagnetic radiation is composed of photons.
Conclusion: Both photons and electrons exhibit a dual nature.