Exam-style question
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How does the photoelectric effect demonstrate the particle nature of light?.
- A.It shows that light can be reflected and refracted.
- B.It indicates that light can transfer energy in discrete packets called photons.
- C.It proves that light travels faster than sound.
- D.It suggests that light can only travel in straight lines.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It indicates that light can transfer energy in discrete packets called photons.
Explanation
Why this works
The photoelectric effect demonstrates the particle nature of light because it shows that light can transfer energy in discrete packets, or photons. When light of sufficient frequency strikes a metal surface, it can eject electrons, which supports the idea that light behaves as a stream of particles rather than just a continuous wave.
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