Wave picture of light failed to explain.

  1. the photoelectric effect
  2. polarization of light
  3. diffraction of light
  4. None of these

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : the photoelectric effect
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Detailed Solution

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CONCEPT:

Light shows dual nature:

  • Some phenomena can be explained by the wave nature of light while some by the quantum nature of light.
Wave nature of light Quantum nature of light
James Clerk Maxwell showed that light is an electromagnetic wave that travels at the speed of light through space. Light consists of photons or quanta of energy that gives particle nature to it.
Diffraction, interference, and polarization are some phenomena that can be explained by the wave nature of light. The Photoelectric effect can be explained by the quantum nature of light.

EXPLANATION:

Photoelectric effect: 

  • The emission of free electrons from a metal surface when the light is illuminated on it, it is called the photoemission or the photoelectric effect
  • This effect led to the conclusion that light is made up of packets or quantum of energy.

Diffraction: 

  • Diffraction is the bending of light at the sharp ends of the obstacles or holes. It can be explained by the wave nature of light.

Polarization of light:

  • The light waves whose vibrations occur in a single plane are called polarized light.
  • The light wave whose vibrations occur in more than one plane is called un-polarized light.
  • The phenomenon of the transformation of un-polarized light into polarized light is called polarization of light.
  • Polarization, in Physics, is defined as a phenomenon caused due to the wave nature of electromagnetic radiation. Hence, option 1 is correct.

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