Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsPhotoelectric Effect and Wave–Particle Duality
The quantum nature of light is supported by the photoelectric effect because
Options
- Athe maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is determined solely by the light's frequency, and not by its
- Bphotoelectrons leave the metal surface immediately, even when it is faintly illuminated
- Cthe electric charge of the photoelectrons is quantized
- Da minimum frequency exists below which no photoelectrons are emitted
Correct answer
D. a minimum frequency exists below which no photoelectrons are emitted
Step-by-step solution
The photoelectric effect provides evidence for the quantum nature of light (photon theory) by explaining phenomena that classical wave theory could not: According to the photon theory, light consists of discrete energy packets (photons) with energy E = h . The maximum kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons is given by Einstein's photoelectric equation K_ = h - , which shows it depends solely on the frequency and not on the intensity of light. The emission of photoelectrons is an instantaneous process. A single ph