Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

Who is credited with the wave-particle duality theory of electrons?

1. Louis de Broglie

2. Niels Bohr

3. Albert Einstein

4. Max Planck

The correct answer is: Louis de Broglie

Louis de Broglie is credited with the wave-particle duality theory of electrons, which posits that particles such as electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. This groundbreaking concept was articulated in his 1924 thesis, where he proposed that all matter has associated wavelengths, a notion that extended the idea of wave-particle duality beyond just light, which had been established prior to his work. De Broglie's hypothesis was pivotal in the development of quantum mechanics, as it provided a deeper understanding of the behavior of subatomic particles. His work led to further developments in quantum theory and influenced many future physicists, solidifying the concept that particles can exhibit dual characteristics under different circumstances, fundamentally changing the landscape of physics. This theory is a cornerstone in understanding phenomena such as electron diffraction and interference, which had significant implications for both theoretical physics and practical applications, such as in the development of electron microscopes.