Chapter 38, Problem 10A

What causes light to behave like a particle?

To determine

The reason for the behavior of the light like a particle.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The light behaves like particle as well as wave due to dual nature of the light. The light behaves as wave in the vacuum and behaves as particle in the photoelectric effect.

The light in the photoelectric effect falls on the surface in the form of photons. The energy transfer from photon to electrons of the surface occurs due to the collision between the photon and light. It shows the particle behavior of the light.

Conclusion:

The light behaves like a particle because the photon of the light energy transfers the energy to electrons by the collision between the photon and electron.