Question

Wave theory cannot explain the phenomena of
A. Polarization
B. Diffraction
C. Compton effect
D. Photoelectric effect

A). A and B
B). B and D
C). C and D
D). D and A

Answer 1

Hint: The wave theory of light considers light to be a wave with a certain wavelength, frequency, and speed. According to this, the intensity of the light wave is dependent upon its amplitude. In the wave theory, light is considered to be an electromagnetic wave arising due to constantly changing electric and magnetic fields.

Complete step by step solution:In the wave theory of light, light is considered to be an electromagnetic wave with wave-like properties like wavelength and frequency.
The wave theory of light can perfectly explain some effects of light such as diffraction, polarization, and interference. However, it also fails to prove some theories and observations such as the photoelectric effect and the Compton Effect.
In the photoelectric effect, the energy of the light depends upon its frequency as can be seen in the photoelectric experiment, however, according to the wave theory, the energy of a wave depends upon its amplitude.
Also, the Compton effect in which the experiment involves scattering light off electrons can only be explained properly by considering that light is made up of particles which interact with the electrons. These particles are known as photons.
Hence, the wave theory of light cannot explain the photoelectric and Compton effect.

Therefore, the correct option is C: C and D.

Note:Students must understand that light has wave-particle duality. Hence, light can behave both as a particle and a wave. The behavior of light depends upon the conditions of the experiment that is being undertaken. In fact, light travels as a wave, however, it interacts with other bodies in the form of mass less and charges less particles in the light, known as photons.