Which of the following phenomena exhibits particle nature of light ?

Options

A. Interference
B. Diffraction
C. Polarisation
D. Photoelectric effect

Answer

D

Explanation

(a) Interference is a phenomenon in which two waves of same frequency superpose to give resultant intensity different from sum of their separate intensity. So, it cannot exhibit particle's nature of light.
(b) Diffraction is a phenomenon in which light bends at sharp ends of an obstacle or a hole. So, it also cannot exhibit particle's nature of light.
(c) Polarisation of light is a property owing to which a light ray after emerging through a crystal (a special kind like tourmaline) have vibrations in a plane perpendicular to its direction of propagation. So, it also can not explain particle's nature of light.
(d) Photoelectric effect states that light travels in the form of bundles or packets of energy, called photons. This effect is explained on the basis of quantum nature of light. So, it clearly explains the particle's nature of light. Hence, (d) is correct.