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Wave Theory of Light and Photoelectric Effect

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Wave Theory of Light and Photoelectric Effect

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Questions and Answers

What does the wave picture of light propose about light's composition?

Light is made up of discrete packets of energy called quanta.

Light consists of electric and magnetic fields in continuous distribution. (correct)

Light is a form of sound wave that can travel through space.

Light is composed of particles that travel in straight lines.

According to the wave theory, how does the intensity of light affect photoelectron emission?

Increased intensity decreases the threshold frequency of light.

Higher intensity increases the maximum kinetic energy of each photoelectron. (correct)

Greater intensity leads to slower emission of electrons.

Intensity has no effect on the energy absorption of electrons.

What expectation of the wave theory is contradicted by the actual observations of photoelectric emission?

Photoelectron emission should increase with higher frequency, regardless of intensity.

Electrons can accumulate energy over time to exceed the work function.

Photoelectrons should be emitted instantly with sufficient intensity.

There should be a threshold frequency for photoelectric emission. (correct)

In the context of wave theory, how is the energy absorbed by electrons described?

Electrons absorb energy continuously over the entire wavefront of radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a predicted consequence of the wave theory regarding electron energy absorption?

It takes hours or more for an electron to gather enough energy to escape. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental feature of photoelectric emission that contradicts the wave theory?

Photoelectric emission occurs without any delay once light is applied. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implications of the wave theory regarding the absorption of energy by electrons?

Because many electrons absorb energy, it is spread out and small. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't the wave theory fully explain the observations related to photoelectric emission?

It suggests that the energy of incident light is not quantized. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wave Theory of Light and Photoelectric Emission

Wave theory of light, established in the 19th century, explains interference, diffraction, and polarization through the concept of light as electromagnetic waves.
This theory suggests that light's energy is continuously distributed over the wave's spatial extent.
However, wave theory fails to adequately explain the photoelectric effect.
Wave theory predicts that:
- Increasing light intensity should lead to higher kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons, contradicting observation (i) that kinetic energy is independent of intensity.
- There should be no threshold frequency, as sufficiently intense radiation can impart enough energy for electron emission, contradicting observation (ii) about the existence of a threshold frequency.
- Electron emission should be a gradual process, requiring hours for electrons to accumulate enough energy to escape the metal surface, contradicting observation (iv) of instantaneous emission.
Wave theory assumes continuous energy absorption by electrons across the entire wavefront, resulting in small energy gain per electron per unit time.
These inconsistencies highlight the limitations of the wave theory in explaining the photoelectric effect.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of the wave theory of light and its limitations in explaining the photoelectric effect. This quiz covers key concepts such as interference, diffraction, and the inconsistencies faced by wave theory in predicting the behavior of photoelectrons. Test your understanding of these crucial physics principles.