The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which the emission of electrons from a material is triggered by the absorption of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light or ultraviolet radiation.
Particle theory, also known as the photon theory, suggests that light is made up of discrete particles called photons. According to this theory, the photoelectric effect can be explained by the transfer of energy from a photon to an electron. On the other hand, wave theory proposes that light behaves as a wave, and the photoelectric effect can be explained by the interaction between the wave properties of light and the electrons in the material.
While both particle and wave theories have been used to explain the photoelectric effect, the particle theory is more widely accepted due to its ability to accurately predict the results of experiments.
No, the photoelectric effect can only be observed with radiation that has enough energy to overcome the work function of the material. This means that only radiation with a high enough frequency, such as ultraviolet or higher, can cause the photoelectric effect.
The photoelectric effect played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics by providing evidence for the particle nature of light and introducing the concept of quantization of energy. It also led to the understanding of the dual nature of light as both a particle and a wave, which was a key concept in the development of quantum mechanics.