U4AOS1 Topic 23: Wave and Particle Results

Wave Model’s incorrect predictions:

1.    A time delay will occur as a wave is a continuous distribution of energy. When a wave hits an electron it’s energy would be absorbed until it has enough energy to escape.

2.    Any frequency can produce a photocurrent as it depends on frequency and intensity. Lower energy light can emit electrons given enough time and intense light.

3.    KE depends on intensity of light. High intensity light should transfer more energy.

Particle Model’s correct precisions:

1.    There is no time delay as photon energies are discrete and absorbed instantly.

2.    There is a threshold frequency as proton energy is proportional to frequency. If the photon has less energy than the work function then no electrons will be emitted

3.    KE does not depend on intensity as electrons absorb a single photon. Intensity is a property of light.