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Guide to the Cosmos
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Dr. Robert Piccioni



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Einstein, Light & the Odd Nobel Prize 

We explore how Einstein discovered the true nature of light,
and the funny story of his Nobel Prize.

Click here for Broadcast


The photoelectric effect

light is both a wave and a particle

Image #1

The photoelectric effect was mysterious because yellow light ejects electrons but red light doesn't.

Image #2

Einstein said light is both a wave and a particle (photon)  whose energy is proportional to its frequency.

 

Waves diffract, particles don't diffract.

Light waves interfere, producing bright and dark stripes

Image #3

After passing through a small hole, waves expand (diffract).  Particles are simpler.

Image #4

Left: Light waves interfere, producing bright and dark stripes (fringes).
Right: So do electrons, proving particles have wave properties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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