Why does the Photoelectric Effect lead to the conclusion that classical physics cannot be all of physics?

The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons on a charged zinc plate, when UV light is shone on it, but not low energy visible light.

This phenomena is caused by the quantisation of light. Classical physics states that waves are continuous in energy. This would mean that the electrons could be emitted if the intensity of the low energy light was high enough. However, there is no intensity of low energy light that could emit the electrons. This proves that something else is up.

This was the first piece of evidence that led to physicists thinking of wave particle duality. In this case, the waves of light act more like photons - quantised pieces of light. This experiment can be explained by particles. The electrons are bound by a certain energy, so this means that only photons of a certain energy (wavelength) can free them - no matter how many photons come into contact with it. 

This discovery was made by Einstein and along with several other discoveries in the early 20th Century led to Quantum Physics being born as a field.

BO
Answered by Benjamin O. Physics tutor

6697 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Resolving the forces for an object suspended on two strings.


An ideal gas within a closed system undergoes an isothermal expansion from an initial volume of 1m^3 to 2m^3. Given that the initial pressure of the gas is 10^5 Pa, find the final pressure of the gas following the expansion.


Describe one technique you could use to measure the threshold voltage for LEDs.


The mercury atoms in a fluorescent tube are excited and then emit photons in the ultraviolet region of the elecrtomagnetic spectrum. Explain how the mercury atoms become excited.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning