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Double-slit experiment (view source)

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The '''double-slit experiment''' is a [[physics]] [[experiment]] which demonstrates [[wave-particle duality]]. Essentially, the experiment consists of firing a series of particles through a grid, or other similar device, and observing the result. A characteristic interference pattern can be thus observed, demonstrating the wave nature of the particles.
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The '''double-slit experiment''' is a [[physics]] [[experiment]] which demonstrates [[wave-particle duality]].  
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The experiment is easy to do, but difficult to understand.  It consists of setting up a light source on one side, facing a barrier (such as a piece of cardboard) that has two slits in it to permit some light to pass through to a distant wall on the other side.  If both slits are open, then one pattern is observed on the distant wall.  But if one slit is covered, then a completely different pattern is then seen on the distant wall.
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This simple experiment demonstrates that the wave-particle duality of light.  Light behaves as a wave when both slits are open, such that the wave simultaneously passes through both slits and creates an interference pattern on the distant wall, but as a particle when only one slit is open, such that there is no interference pattern.
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The experiment can also be done with particles, such that a series of particles are directed at a grid, or other similar device, while observing the pattern on the other side.
 
[[Category:physics]]
 
[[Category:physics]]
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[[Category:quantum mechanics]]
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