Why is the classical model of light insufficient in explaining the photoelectric effect?


In the classical model, light is a wave and it's energy depends on its intensity. This would predict electron emission at all wavelengths of light. So the model cannot explain the threshold frequency of light required to cause photo-emission. However, in the quantum model light is made of small discrete packets of energy (photons), whose energy is proportional to the light's frequency. The one-to-one interaction between photon and electron means in order for photo-emission to occur, each photon must have a minimum energy, hence a minimum threshold frequency for light.

RK
Answered by Roy K. Physics tutor

4429 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between plastic and elastic collision?


Can you explain the photoelectric effect?


How would I derive Kepler's third law from Newton's law of gravitation and the equations of circular motion?


Topic - force as rate of change of momentum; (i) force on a wall due to water from a hose, (ii) force on a table as a rope is dropped onto it.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences