Chapter 5, Problem 43A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Three deficiencies of the wave model of light related to light interaction with matter is needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

In 1905 to explain photoelectric effect Albert Einstein proposed dual nature of light. A light beam exhibits wavelike and particle-like nature. It can be considered a stream of energy bundles, called photons.

Answer to Problem 43A

Wave model of light could not explain photoelectric effect, emission of atomic spectra. It does not explain emission of matter with different frequencies and emission of different wavelength.

Explanation of Solution

The wave model of light fails to explain the interaction of matter with light.

The photoelectric effect arises when a certain frequency light strike on a metal surface and ejects electrons. With increasing light intensity, the number of electron ejection increased.

The wave model suggests that given sufficient time, even low-energy, low-frequency light will acquire and provide sufficient energy to displace photoelectrons from a metal. In fact, a metal won't expel

photoelectrons below a specific incident light frequency.

For an element, atomic emission spectrum is the range of electromagnetic wave frequencies produced by the emitted element's atoms.

Conclusion

The element being studied is distinguished by an atomic emission spectrum, which can be used to identify the element.