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Whose work first explained the photoelectric effect and helped launch quantum theory?
PhysicsQuantum theory
Quick Answer
Albert Einstein’s 1905 explanation of the photoelectric effect. He showed that light can act as discrete packets of energy called photons.
The Full Story
Einstein explained the photoelectric effect by proposing that light comes in quanta, now called photons, rather than as only a continuous wave. His 1905 paper showed that light of sufficiently high frequency can eject electrons from a metal, regardless of intensity. This was a major step toward quantum theory and helped establish the particle aspect of light. Einstein received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics largely for this explanation.
Key Facts
1.Explained in 1905
2.Led to the photon concept
3.Einstein won the 1921 Nobel Prize partly for this work
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"The experiment that showed light is made of packets, not just waves."