quantum

Question 1

describe wave theory and provide evidence to prove

Answer 1

• light is an em wave consisting of electric and magnetic fields
• predicts interference and diffraction
• energy is spread continuously across the wave front
  evidence:
  . youngs double slit - interference patterns
  . diffraction patterns observed when light passes through narrow slits

Question 2

what are some limitations of the wave theory

Answer 2

. can’t explain photoelectric effect
. intensity alone does not affect the energy of emitted electrons, contradicting wave predictions

Question 3

describe particle theory of light

Answer 3

• light is quantized into photons
• E= hf
• photons and electrons are 1:1 interactions
  evidence:
  . photo electric effect - only certain frequency can eject electrons
  . no electrons emitted below a specific frequency, regardless of intensity, indicating a particle- like interaction

Question 4

what are the limitations of the particle theory

Answer 4

• doesn’t account for interference and diffraction patters
• cannot explain polarisation and the bending of light around obstacles