Question

Which of the following is(are) CORRECT?

• A. Light has wave nature only
• B. Light can have both wave and particle nature
• C. Photoelectric effect shows that light can behave like particles
• D. Interference experiments show that light behaves like particles

Hint:

Light behaves both as a wave (interference) and as a particle (photoelectric effect), illustrating the wave-particle duality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C

The question tests your understanding of the dual nature of light and involves selecting the correct statements related to it among the options given.

Let's analyze each statement:

1. Light has wave nature only: This statement is incorrect. Light exhibits a dual nature, behaving both as a wave and a particle depending on the phenomenon being observed.
2. Light can have both wave and particle nature: This is correct. The concept of wave-particle duality is a fundamental theory in quantum mechanics, which posits that every particle or quantum entity may be partly described in terms not only of particles, but also of waves. This duality applies to light and other particles such as electrons.
3. Photoelectric effect shows that light can behave like particles: This is also correct. The photoelectric effect is an important evidence of particle nature of light. In this effect, electrons are ejected from the surface of a metal when it is exposed to light of certain frequencies. This can be explained if light is thought of as consisting of particles, known as photons.
4. Interference experiments show that light behaves like particles: This statement is incorrect. Interference is a wave phenomenon. Experiments like the double-slit experiment demonstrate the wave nature of light, where the light creates an interference pattern that can only be explained if light behaves as a wave.

Based on the above analysis, the correct statements are:

• Light can have both wave and particle nature
• Photoelectric effect shows that light can behave like particles

These concepts are fundamental to understanding the wave-particle duality of light, a core principle in quantum physics.