Wave vs. Particle

[JoeyAnn Mateo 1D]

I'm still a little confused on the differences between the wave and particle model for light. Could someone explain the differences?

[nicolesalcedo]

The wave model for light is in regards to wavelength and amplitude (aka intensity). When you look at the light model in regards to particles, you look at the photon energies of the light.

[JoeyAnn Mateo 1D]

In regards to intensity, does it vary if you are looking at increasing intensity in the wave vs. particle model?

[nicolesalcedo]

If you increase the intensity of the wave, it just increases the number of photons that are being directed at the piece of metal, thus increasing the number of electrons being ejected (1:1 photon electron ratio). However, if the wavelength (aka the energy of the photon) is not enough to eject an electron, then increasing the intensity of the wave will not matter.

[JoeyAnn Mateo 1D]

So basically, increasing the intensity of the light will only result in more electrons coming off of the metal if each photon already has enough energy to remove?

[nicolesalcedo]

Yes, exactly :)

[nicolesalcedo]

sorry, correction: the wave model is on wavelength and frequency* (not amplitude)

[304984981]

light is descried as a wave because it has interference, diffraction. Details seen Thomas Young Experiment
Light is described as a particle because of photoelectric effect, which demonstrates that the intensity does not affect the amount of electrons get out, but wavelength/frequency does.

[hannahtweedy]

Particles have mass while photons do not... both still have momentum though!