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Which of the following interactions or pieces of evidence help support the particle theory of light?

a) Diffraction
b) Interference patterns
c) Photoelectric effect
d) Polarization

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Diffraction and interference patterns support the wave theory of light, while the photoelectric effect supports the particle theory. Polarization is also evidence of light's wave nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Einstein’s research shed new light on the nature of light, revealing that light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties, known as wave-particle duality. Of the options listed, diffraction and interference patterns support the wave theory of light, exemplified by phenomena such as light bending around edges (diffraction) and the superposition of waves producing constructive and destructive interference. On the other hand, the photoelectric effect supports the particle theory of light, as it demonstrates that light can eject electrons from a metal surface, which is indicative of light's particle characteristics. In contrast, polarization is also a wave property, supported by the ability of light to vibrate in a single plane when passing through filters.

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