Exam-style question
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What observation contradicts wave theory in the context of the photoelectric effect?.
- A.Electrons are emitted only when light reaches a certain frequency.
- B.The intensity of light affects the speed of emitted electrons.
- C.All frequencies of light can cause electron emission.
- D.Light can be polarized and diffracted.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Electrons are emitted only when light reaches a certain frequency.
Explanation
Why this works
The observation that electrons are emitted only when light reaches a certain frequency contradicts wave theory, which would predict that increasing the intensity of any light should eventually lead to electron emission. Instead, the photoelectric effect shows that only light above a specific threshold frequency can cause emission, indicating the quantized nature of light.
Common mistake
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