Question

Wave nature of light is demonstrated by:
(This question has multiple correct options)
A) Interference phenomenon of light
B) Diffraction of light
C) Polarization of light
D) Photoelectric effect

Answer 1

Hint: There was a longstanding debate upon the nature of light – whether it was a particle or a wave. Some experiments that have been performed with light can only be explained by considering that light has a wave nature, with wave-like parameters like wavelength and frequency.

Complete step by step answer:
Interference phenomenon of light is the phenomenon when two or more waves of light interfere and the result is the equivalent of two waves that interfere together. It has been observed in experiments, that like waves, light can also produce constructive interference (brighter light) and destructive interference (two light beams interfering and producing darkness). One of the most famous experiments involving this is the Young’s double slit experiment.
Diffraction of light is the phenomenon of the bending of light around a corner. This is solely possible if light is considered to be a wave which can bend around corners due to reflection and interference. A similar thing happens with sound waves which is why we can hear someone talking around a corner. An experiment involving this is the single slit diffraction experiment.
Polarization of light is the phenomenon of light getting polarized in one direction upon passing through a polarizer. The intensity of the emergent light is generally lesser than that of the incident light. This can also be explained by considering that light is an electromagnetic wave that can be polarized to have a definite direction of polarization.
However, the photoelectric effect fails to be explained by the wave nature of light and is better explained by considering that light is made up of particles known as photons. Hence, it is an experiment that seeks to prove the particle nature of light.
Therefore, wave nature of light is demonstrated by interference, diffraction and polarization of light.
Hence, the correct options are A), B), and C).

Note: Light actually has a dual nature – wave and particle. The behavior exhibited by light depends upon the experiment under consideration. In general, light travels as a wave with a specific wavelength and frequency whereas it interacts with other objects in the form of mass less and charge less particles called photons that are present within the light beam. This dual nature can actually be extended to all bodies and is one of the foundations for quantum mechanics.