Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsLight Waves
Which of the following characteristics of light conclusively support the wave theory of light?
Options
- AThe speed of light in water is lower than its speed in a vacuum.
- BLight exhibits the photoelectric effect.
- CLight obeys the laws of reflection.
- DLight exhibits interference.
Correct answer
D. Light exhibits interference.
Step-by-step solution
According to the corpuscular theory of light, the speed of light in a denser medium should be greater than its speed in a rarer medium. However, experimental determination showed that the speed of light in water is less than its speed in a vacuum. This contradicted the corpuscular theory and provided strong support for the wave theory. The phenomenon of interference can only be explained by considering the wave nature of light, as particles cannot produce interference patterns (constructive and destructive interfer