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Quantum theory arose from observations of the incremental behavior of electromagnetic radiation that can be modeled as particlelike behavior. In this article, a qualitative hypothesis that provides an alternative interpretation is presented based on wavelike properties of the electrons and protons. The concept provides specific mechanistic explanations for both the nature of the interaction of particles with radiation as well as the incremental nature of absorbed and emitted radiation. Implications of this wave-based hypothesis include a re-evaluation of the nature of electric fields and electric force. In so doing, it provides a dramatically simplified explanation of atomic forces and may offer an alternative explanation for at least some phenomena predicted by the particle-based theory. Nevertheless, validation of this hypothesis would require updating to reflect more contemporary experimental results in quantum physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]