Question

Quantum nature of light is explained by which of the following phenomenon
A. Huygen wave theory
B. Photoelectric effect
C. Maxwell electromagnetic theory
D. de-Broglie theory

Answer 1

Hint: As this is a theoretical based question, we can solve this by going through each option. Light consists of both waves as well as particles. Einstein's quantum theory of light determined that light is a composition of small packets or bundles of energy which are known as photons and have wave-like properties.

Complete step by step solution:
Quantum means energy. According to Einstein Quantum theory, light is a particle nature not a wave nature. Light is in the form of packets of energy or quanta of energy. According to quantum theory, light is in the form of packets or bundles of energy known as the photons. In the particle nature of light, energy can be counted whereas in the wave nature of light, counting of waves is not possible.

Now look at the given options.
In Huygens’s wave theory, all the points on a wave front of light are sources of secondary waves. Huygen found that light propagates in the form of waves so he gave the wave theory of light. Hence option A is not satisfying the condition of quantum nature of light.

In option B, the photoelectric effect can be explained only by using the concept of quantum nature of electromagnetic radiation as explained by the scientist Albert Einstein. It also verified the experimentally determined values of Planck’s constant(h) and work function (\[\phi \]) of various metals. Therefore, Quantum nature of light is explained by the phenomena of Photoelectric effect.

In option C, Maxwell electromagnetic theory described light as a propagating wave of electric and magnetic fields. He determines the existence of electromagnetic radiation of coupled electric and magnetic fields traveling as a wave at a speed equal to the known speed of light.

In option D, De Broglie's hypothesis of matter waves explained that any particle of matter that has linear momentum is also a wave. The wavelength of the matter wave associated with a particle is inversely proportional to the magnitude of the particle's linear momentum.

Hence option B is the correct answer.

Note: There are many phenomena which can be explained on the basis of the wave nature of light, whereas there are some other phenomena which can be explained by the particle nature of light.