Question

The photoelectric effect can be explained on the basis of

• A. Corpuscular theory of light
• B. Wave theory of light
• C. Electromagnetic theory of light
• D. Quantum theory of light

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Quantum theory of light

The explanation for the correct option:

In the case of option D,

Quantum theory of light:

1. Einstein proposed the quantum theory of light, which states that light travels in bundles of energy, each of which is known as a photon.
2. Each photon carries an amount of energy equal to the product of its frequency of vibration and Planck's constant.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

In the case of option A,

1. Light is composed of small discrete particles known as "corpuscles" (small particles).
2. They travel in a straight line with a finite velocity and impetus.

In the case of option B,

Light from a source propagates in a homogeneous medium as longitudinal waves with uniform velocity, according to wave theory.

In the case of option C,

Light waves, according to this theory, have the same properties as electromagnetic waves, which are caused by a rapidly oscillating electric current.

Hence, option (D) is correct.