Question

why photoelectric effect cannot be explained on the basis of wave optics?Give reasons

Answer 1

According to wave theory of light, the photoelectric emission is possible from a metal surface by the waves of light of all frequencies, provided the intensity of light is sufficient to provide the required energy to the electron for its emission. But it is against the experimental fact that no photoelectric emission takes place from a metal surface if the frequency of the incident light is less than the threshold frequency, no matter whatsoever may be its intensity.