2.11 Make an argument (include claim, evidence, and reasoning) about why we can consider electromagnetic radiation as a particle.

Make an argument (including claim, evidence, and reasoning) for why we can consider electromagnetic radiation as a particle.

Claim:

Electromagnetic radiation behaves like a particle, specifically in the form of photons.

Make an argument (including claim, evidence, and reasoning) for why we can consider electromagnetic radiation as a particle.

Evidence:

The photoelectric effect demonstrates that light consists of discrete packets of energy. In this experiment, light shines on a metal surface and ejects electrons only when the light's frequency is above a certain threshold. No electrons are ejected if the frequency is too low, regardless of the light's intensity.

Make an argument (including claim, evidence, and reasoning) for why we can consider electromagnetic radiation as a particle.

Reasoning:

The photoelectric effect can’t be explained by wave theory, which suggests that energy should be spread out continuously. The fact that only individual photons (not waves) with sufficient energy cause electron ejection supports the idea that light is quantized and behaves as particles. Photons have energy that is directly proportional to the frequency of light, supporting the particle nature of electromagnetic radiation.

.

.