Question

Explain the failure of wave theory of light to account for the observations from experiments on photoelectric effect.

Answer 1

1. The energy contained in oscillating electric and magnetic fields is carried by electromagnetic waves, according to the wave theory of light. An electron should release a photoelectron after it has absorbed sufficient energy from a material. The light's frequency is irrelevant in this instance.
2. For this reason, there shouldn't be a threshold frequency for electron emission. However, a threshold frequency is discovered, and it varies with the metal.
3. In experiments, photoelectrons' maximum kinetic energy grows linearly with light frequency. The wave theory of light cannot explain this. An electron will not emit quite instantly if the light source is dim or far from a metal surface.
4. Given that energy is distributed along the wavefront according to the wave theory of light, the electron may need to wait several hours or days to absorb enough energy from the incident light.
5. In an experimental setting, however, the photoelectric effect occurs nearly instantly for a suitable incident light frequency. The wave theory of light can account for only one observation: photoelectric current intensity of incident light.