Scientists such as Heinrich Hertz, Philipp Lenard, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein made scientific contributions that ultimately demonstrated that light is electromagnetic radiation, and that it has a “dual nature.” Some electromagnetic phenomena are best explained with a particle model, and some with a wave model. In a sense, “wave” and “particle” are just easy mental models for light. We employ them because we are used to seeing waves and particles—such as those in water waves and baseballs—in our daily lives. Electromagnetic radiation is a basic concept in physics, but it doesn’t fit completely into one of these neat little boxes.

Research and discuss at least one modern technology that employs electromagnetic radiation and that can be explained by the wave model, the particle model, or a combination of the two. Some possible technologies include solar panels, burglar alarms, cameras, and cell phones.