Which observation cannot be explained by treating light purely as a wave?
Correct answer: D. The existence of a threshold frequency in the photoelectric effect
- A. Interference
- B. Diffraction
- C. Polarisation
- D. The existence of a threshold frequency in the photoelectric effect
Explanation
A wave of any frequency should eventually deliver enough energy if it shines long enough or brightly enough, so the sharp frequency threshold makes no sense on the wave picture and demands photons. Interference, diffraction and polarisation, by contrast, are precisely the phenomena that establish the wave nature. Light therefore needs both descriptions.
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About Photons and the Particle Model of Light
The particle model treats light as photons with energy E equals hf and momentum related to wavelength. Questions involve the photoelectric effect, work function, threshold frequency, stopping potential and photon energy, while distinguishing particle behaviour from the wave description of interference and diffraction.
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