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Part 1-Modern Physics The title of this section is not completely accurate The theories and discoveries described originated between 1895 and 1930 In this time period, two major theories were advanced • Quantum physics • Einstein’s Theory of Relativity Both theories revolutionized the sciences and technology Both theories present various aspects of nature in ways that defy the familiar “commonsense” view of the world. Wave-Particle Duality of Light Earlier, we learned that light can be represented as a wave propagated by an interchange of energy between periodically varying electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic radiation exhibits waves phenomena Diffraction Interference Doppler Effect Reflection Refraction Wave-Particle Duality of Light The wave model does not explain everything about light In other interactions, electromagnetic radiation (including light) acts as if it is composed of particles possessing kinetic energy and momentum Early in the 20th century, it was discovered that light having a frequency above some minimum value incident on certain metals caused electrons to be emitted from the metal. • This phenomenon is known as “the photoelectric effect”, and can’t be explained by the wave model of light. The Photoelectric Effect What's the photoelectric effect? It's been determined experimentally that when light shines on a metal surface, the surface emits electrons. For example, you can start a current in a circuit just by shining a light on a metal plate. Continuing More on the Photoelectric effect Caused when high frequency electromagnetic waves strike the surface of a metal Electrons at the surface of the metal absorb the high frequency light, then become excited These excited electrons then “jump off” the surface of the metal, releasing their energy as they do
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