Question

Which of the following phenomena does not explain by wave nature of light.
(A) reflection
(B) diffraction
(C) photoelectric effect
(D) interference
(E) polarization
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. E only
• B. C only
• C. B, D only
• D. A, C only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The query requires the identification of the phenomenon from the provided options that is not accounted for by the wave model of light. An examination of each option is necessary:

1. Reflection: Light rebounding from a surface exemplifies this wave characteristic, governed by established reflection laws.
2. Diffraction: Light bending around obstructions or passing through apertures, resulting in observable patterns, is exclusively explainable by its wave properties.
3. Photoelectric Effect: This effect, characterized by electron emission from a metal surface upon light incidence, is understood through the particle (photon) model of light, not its wave nature. Consequently, it is not explained by the wave nature of light.
4. Interference: The superposition and combination of light waves to produce new wave patterns are fundamental to understanding phenomena like the double-slit experiment, necessitating the wave model of light.
5. Polarization: The directional orientation of oscillations within a light wave is a direct manifestation of its wave nature.

Based on this analysis, the photoelectric effect is the sole phenomenon not explicable by the wave nature of light. This finding was instrumental in the formulation of quantum mechanics, which posits a dual wave-particle nature for light.

Therefore, the correct selection is: C only.