Exam-style question
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What is a key difference between the evidence provided by diffraction and the photoelectric effect?.
- A.Diffraction shows light as a wave, while photoelectricity shows light as a particle
- B.Diffraction occurs with sound waves, while photoelectricity occurs with light
- C.Diffraction requires a vacuum, while photoelectricity does not
- D.Diffraction can only be observed with lasers, while photoelectricity can be observed with any light source
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Diffraction shows light as a wave, while photoelectricity shows light as a particle
Explanation
Why this works
Diffraction provides evidence for the wave nature of light through the spreading of waves, while the photoelectric effect demonstrates the particle nature by showing how photons can eject electrons. Each applies in different experimental contexts, highlighting the dual nature of light.
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