Practice question
Question
Which of the following observations contradicts the wave theory of light in the photoelectric effect?
Explanation
**Classical wave theory fails** to explain instant emission, threshold existence, K_max dependence on frequency not intensity, saturation current dependence on intensity. Observations: K_max independent of intensity, exists threshold frequency, emission instantaneous, all explained by photon model E = h f, one photon ejects one electron, energy conservation h f = Φ + K_max. The wave theory predicts energy absorption over time, but photoelectric emission is instantaneous (within 10⁻⁹ s ), supporting the photon model. Applying E = h f = h c/λ, p = h/λ, K_max = h f - Φ, Φ = h f₀ = h c/λ₀, λ = h/√(2 m e V) and
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