Question:medium
Which of the following experimental phenomenon is explained by the wave nature of electromagnetic radiation?
Which of the following experimental phenomenon is explained by the wave nature of electromagnetic radiation?
Show Hint
Wave → diffraction/interference, Particle → photoelectric effect.
Updated On: May 10, 2026
- Black-body radiation
- Photoelectric effect
- Diffraction
- Variation of heat capacity of solids as a function of temperature
- Line spectra of atoms with reference to hydrogen
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding Wave-Particle Duality:
Electromagnetic radiation exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. Certain phenomena can only be explained by considering light as a wave, while others require it to be treated as a stream of particles (photons).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each option:
(A) Black-body radiation: This phenomenon, which describes the radiation emitted by a perfect absorber and emitter, could not be explained by classical wave theory (which led to the "ultraviolet catastrophe"). Max Planck successfully explained it by postulating that energy is quantized, a foundational idea for the particle nature of light.
(B) Photoelectric effect: This is the emission of electrons from a material when light shines on it. Its key features, such as the existence of a threshold frequency and the instantaneous emission of electrons, were explained by Einstein by treating light as particles (photons).
(C) Diffraction: This is the bending of waves as they pass around an obstacle or through an aperture. Diffraction is a characteristic hallmark of wave behavior and cannot be explained by a simple particle model. Phenomena like interference and polarization also demonstrate the wave nature of light.
(D) Variation of heat capacity of solids: The explanation for the temperature dependence of heat capacity of solids, particularly at low temperatures, requires quantum mechanics (e.g., Einstein and Debye models), which is rooted in the quantization of energy.
(E) Line spectra of atoms: The emission of light at discrete frequencies (lines) by excited atoms was explained by Bohr's model, which quantized the energy levels of electrons. This is a manifestation of the quantum (particle-like) nature of matter and energy.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Among the given options, only diffraction is explained by the wave nature of electromagnetic radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. Certain phenomena can only be explained by considering light as a wave, while others require it to be treated as a stream of particles (photons).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each option:
(A) Black-body radiation: This phenomenon, which describes the radiation emitted by a perfect absorber and emitter, could not be explained by classical wave theory (which led to the "ultraviolet catastrophe"). Max Planck successfully explained it by postulating that energy is quantized, a foundational idea for the particle nature of light.
(B) Photoelectric effect: This is the emission of electrons from a material when light shines on it. Its key features, such as the existence of a threshold frequency and the instantaneous emission of electrons, were explained by Einstein by treating light as particles (photons).
(C) Diffraction: This is the bending of waves as they pass around an obstacle or through an aperture. Diffraction is a characteristic hallmark of wave behavior and cannot be explained by a simple particle model. Phenomena like interference and polarization also demonstrate the wave nature of light.
(D) Variation of heat capacity of solids: The explanation for the temperature dependence of heat capacity of solids, particularly at low temperatures, requires quantum mechanics (e.g., Einstein and Debye models), which is rooted in the quantization of energy.
(E) Line spectra of atoms: The emission of light at discrete frequencies (lines) by excited atoms was explained by Bohr's model, which quantized the energy levels of electrons. This is a manifestation of the quantum (particle-like) nature of matter and energy.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Among the given options, only diffraction is explained by the wave nature of electromagnetic radiation.
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