Which phenomenon demonstrates the particle nature of light as evidenced by the photoelectric effect?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
Which phenomenon demonstrates the particle nature of light as evidenced by the photoelectric effect?
Interference
Diffraction
Photoelectric effect
Refraction
The photoelectric effect demonstrates the particle nature of light, as it shows that light can be thought of as consisting of particles (photons) that can impart energy to electrons.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: Which phenomenon demonstrates the particle nature of light as evidenced by the photoelectric effect?
Solution: The photoelectric effect demonstrates the particle nature of light, as it shows that light can be thought of as consisting of particles (photons) that can impart energy to electrons.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that light can behave like a stream of particles called photons.
Step 2: Learn about the photoelectric effect, which occurs when light hits a metal surface and causes electrons to be ejected.
Step 3: Realize that for the electrons to be ejected, the light must have a certain minimum energy, which is related to the frequency of the light.
Step 4: Recognize that if light were only a wave, it would not be able to eject electrons in this way, especially if the light's frequency is below a certain threshold.
Step 5: Conclude that the photoelectric effect shows that light has particle-like properties, as it can transfer energy to electrons in discrete amounts.
