Wave-particle Duality Teacher Resources

Acting as part of an overview on quantum theory, this section of the site answers the question, what is light? In answering the question, specific discussion is directed toward light waves and theories of light.

Help Dracula find out about light waves by using a virtual radiometer.

This article discusses the historical figures who contributed to our understanding of the nature of light, x-rays, Quantum ElectroDynamic (QED) theory, and so on.

Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site discusses light in relation to particles and waves. The difference between particles and waves is addressed along with...

This biographical note on Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen describes his boyhood, upbringing, education, scientific work and accomplishments. Focuses on his studies of Xrays.

After an introduction, this site breaks down into sections discussion quantum theory, including A Quantum Theory for Energy, A Quantum Theory for Atomic Structures, Waves or Particles, Quantum Mechanics, and Interpreting the Quantum World.

Video provides a basic introduction to the phenomenon of light, the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, wave and particle-like behavior, and how to calculate the wavelength or frequency of a light wave. [9:36]

Explore the properties of quantum particles bound in potential wells, and see how the wave functions and probability densities that describe them evolve (or don't evolve) over time.

Covering a range of topics related to the quantum theory of the atom, this site provides a three-part dissection of atomic theory including information on particles, waves, light, electrons, and atoms.

As part of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook, this site examines a list of related topics (in hyperlink format) on the atom and the Periodic Table of elements. Topics from light, particles, and waves to the Bohr model, quantum...

This activity provides a complete curriculum for teaching the photoelectric effect using the PhET Photoelectric Effect simulation in a large-lecture modern physics course.

See how light knocks electrons off a metal target, and recreate the experiment that spawned the field of quantum mechanics. Describe how the results lead to the photon model of light.

This simulation is a slow motion version of what you might actually see if you could see particles in a medium vibrating.

Interactive demonstration provides students with an introduction to Quantum Physics. They will also be introduced to wave/particle duality, Heisenburg Uncertainty Principle, superposition, Schrodinger's cat, and wavefunction.

A short sketch of the life and work of Thomas Young (1773-1829 CE). Traces early upbringing and education and his scientific discoveries and contributions.

This essay from the NOVA Web site explores the impact Einstein made on physics and most everything we know about the cosmos.

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that you can never simultaneously know the exact position and the exact speed of an object. Why not? Because everything in the universe behaves like both a particle and a wave at the same time....

In the following video Paul Andersen explains how light travels in photons which can be described as both particles and waves. Einstein showed that photons can be described as particles using the photoelectric effect to show that the...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students will understand the photoelectric effect and that light has both particle and wave properties. Includes a simulation for exploring the photoelectric effect.

In this experiment you learn how to generate carbon dioxide inside a container, and float soap bubbles above the gas. Once the bubbles are suspended, it is possible to observe them closely, which is normally very difficult to do....

Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site discusses wavelength and the uncertainty principle. Information is also provided on de Broglie wavelength and electron...

e=mc2. It's a big deal, right? But why? And what about this grumpy cat in a box and probability? In this video episode of Crash Course Physics, Shini attempts to explain a little more on the topic of Quantum Mechanics. [9:07]

A clear (as these things go) presentation of the calculation of relativistic momentum. Given with a handy calculator that even calculates the % error. The site goes on to Momentum of a Photon, and to Relativistic Energy in Terms of...

Contains a full physics curriculum with links to games, webcasts, and activities. By creating a free account, students and teachers can create their own personal collection of resources.