10
QuizMultiple Choice

The Modern Atomic Theory

Question 10 • *26-27 CFISD TX-Chemistry A CR

Which observation provided Albert Einstein the clue that he needed to explain the photoelectric effect?

Answer
A
Light is made up of extremely small particles.
B
Particles that are emitted from a strip of metal are electrons.
C
Shining light on a metal strip produces emissions.
D
Energy of electrons depends on light’s frequency, not intensity.

Explanation

The key observation was that the energy of emitted electrons changes with the light’s frequency, while increasing the light’s intensity mainly increases how many electrons are emitted. This suggested that light transfers energy in frequency-dependent packets, leading Einstein to explain the photoelectric effect using photons. Choice A states this observation.

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