General Physics, 2nd Edition
General Physics, 2nd Edition
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9780471522782
Author: Morton M. Sternheim
Publisher: WILEY
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Chapter 26, Problem 1RQ
To determine

Whether electrons would be emitted from a metal for any frequency, if light behaved only as a wave.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1RQ

True.

Explanation of Solution

In photoelectric effect, the photoelectrons are emitted from the metal plate only when the light with frequency greater than the threshold frequency is illuminated on it.

For light with frequency less than the threshold frequency, no photoelectrons are observed even though the intensity of the light increases to maximum. This proves that light acts as particle as well as wave.

Because if the light is a classical wave, then the electrons in the metal plate must continuously observe the energy from the light until it has sufficient energy to escape the metal surface for any frequency of light.

Conclusion:

Thus, if light behaved only as a wave, electrons would be emitted from a metal for any frequency.

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