Character Quote by Werner Heisenberg
“It is seen that both matter and radiation possess a remarkable duality of character, as they sometimes exhibit the properties of waves, at other times those of particles. Now, it is obvious that a thing cannot be a form of wave motion and composed of particles at the same time - the two concepts are too different.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Physics and Philosophy, Werner Heisenberg, 1958
Matter and radiation can act as waves or particles, but not both simultaneously, highlighting a fundamental duality.
In simple terms: Matter and light switch between wave and particle behavior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of overlapping models.
Themes
physics
duality
quantum mechanics
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- education
- technology development
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
wave-particle duality
complementarity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this duality affect modern technology?
- Can we ever fully reconcile wave and particle views?
A Different Perspective
The duality may be context‑dependent, not absolute.
![“It was about three o'clock at night when the final result of the calculation [which gave birth to quantum mechanics] lay before me ... At first I was deeply shaken ... I was so excited that I could not think of sleep. So I left the house ... and awaited the sunrise on top of a rock.” quote by Werner Heisenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bba/werner-heisenberg-4501_birth_it-was-about-three-o-clock-at-night-when_265746.jpg)
