The term that describes the properties and characteristics of light is wave-particle duality. This concept posits that light exhibits both wave-like behavior (such as interference and diffraction) and particle-like behavior, represented by photons. Wave-particle duality is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics and illustrates how light can behave differently depending on the experimental context. This duality underpins many technological applications, including lasers, fiber optics, and various imaging techniques. Understanding light's dual nature is essential in fields like optics, photonics, and telecommunications.