Asked by yo pap
Which theory was contradicted by experiments with the photoelectric effect?
Light spreads out after it passes through a small opening.
As soon as light strikes metal, electrons will be ejected.
Visible light, regardless of color, will cause the ejection of electrons when striking metal.
The kinetic energy of ejected electrons depends on the frequency of light that strikes the metal.
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The classical (wave) theory of light — i.e., classical electromagnetism — was contradicted.
Specifically the statement "Visible light, regardless of color, will cause the ejection of electrons when striking metal" (and the implicit classical prediction that electron energy depends on intensity, not frequency) was shown false. Experiments showed a threshold frequency and that the electron kinetic energy depends on light frequency. Einstein resolved this with the photon idea: E = hf and KEmax = hf − φ (work function).
Specifically the statement "Visible light, regardless of color, will cause the ejection of electrons when striking metal" (and the implicit classical prediction that electron energy depends on intensity, not frequency) was shown false. Experiments showed a threshold frequency and that the electron kinetic energy depends on light frequency. Einstein resolved this with the photon idea: E = hf and KEmax = hf − φ (work function).
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