Question

Is light a wave or a particle? Support your answer by citing specific experimental evidence.

Is light a wave or a particle? Support your answer by citing specific experimental evidence.

Homework Answers

Answer #1

Light acts both as a wave and as a particle. In some situations it behaves like a wave and in other it behaves like a particle.

Evidence of Wave like behaviour of Light

Light reflects,refracts and diffracts in the same way as any wave would. Light undergoes interference as a wave as demonstrated by the Youngs Double Slit experiment. Light also exhibits Doppler effect as a wave.

Evidence of Particle like behaviour of Light

Light is made up of collection of photons( light particles ). Light as a particle is demonstrated by Photoelectric Effect in which when light is shined on a metal it ejects electrons.

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