Difference between a particle and a wave

Difference between a particle and a wave

The concept of a particle and a wave can be understood by the different points of distinction between them.

PARTICLE

1. A particle occupies a well-defined  position in space i.e a particle is      localized in space e.g. a grain of  sand, a cricket ball etc.

2. When a particular space is occupied by one particle, the same space cannot be occupied simultaneously by any other particle. In other words, particles do not interfere.

3. When a number of particles are present in a given region of space, their total value is equal to their sum i.e it is neither less nor more.

WAVE

1. a wave is spread out in space e.g. on throwing a stone in a pond of water, the waves start moving out in the form of concentric circles. Similarly, the sound of the speaker reaches everybody in the audience. Thus a wave is delocalized in space.

2. Two or more waves can coexist in the same region of space and hence interfere.

3. When a number of waves are present in a given region of space, due to interference, the resultant wave can be larger or smaller than the individual waves i.e. interference may be constructive or destructive.