Why did the quantum theory of light explain the outcome of the photoelectric effect experiment?

Question

(1 point)

The quantum theory of light showed why high intensity light was needed to give the electrons enough
energy to escape the material

The material only ejects electrons when there is enough of a distribution of energy across the surface, as
described by quantum theory

The quantum theory explained why the waves needed less momentum in order to impact the electrons and
knock them off

The material only absorbed a certain frequency of the light and the quanta of light are defined by the
frequency

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

The material only absorbed a certain frequency of the light and the quanta of light are defined by the frequency.

This explanation aligns with the quantum theory of light, which postulates that light is composed of discrete packets of energy called photons. The photoelectric effect demonstrates that electrons are only ejected from a material when the incident light has a frequency above a certain threshold, correlating directly to the energy of the photons. If the photon energy (related to frequency) is too low, no electrons will be emitted, regardless of the light's intensity.