Dual Nature of Radiation and
Matter
What is the Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter?
The concept that radiation (like light) and matter (like electrons) exhibit both wave-like
and particle-like properties.
Historical Background:
Traditionally, light was understood as a wave (Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism).
Matter, like electrons, was considered to be purely particle-like (Newtonian mechanics).
Experiments in the early 20th century, such as the photoelectric effect (explained by Einstein) and
electron diffraction (discovered by Davisson and Germer), revealed that both light and matter exhibit
a dual nature.
The wave-particle duality suggests that no entity can be strictly classified as either a wave or a particle;
they behave as both depending on the experiment and context.
Electron emission
If an electron attempts to come out of the metal, the metal surface acquires a positive charge and
pulls the electron back to the metal. The electron can come out of the metal surface only if it has got
sufficient energy to overcome the attractive pull.
Work function is measured in electron volt (eV).
ϕ0 depends on properties of metal and nature of its surface.
One electron volt is the energy gained by an electron when it
has been accelerated by a potential difference of 1 volt. 1 eV =
1.602 ×10–19 J.
PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT
Hertz’s observations
Light shining on the metal surface somehow facilitated the
escape of free, charged particles which we now know as
electrons. When light falls on a metal surface, some electrons
near the surface absorb enough energy from the incident
radiation to overcome the attraction of the positive ions in the
material of the surface. After gaining sufficient energy from the
incident light, the electrons escape from the surface of the
metal into the surrounding space.
Hallwachs’ and Lenard’s observations
Lenard (1862-1947) observed that when ultraviolet radiations were allowed to
fall on the emitter plate of an evacuated glass tube enclosing two electrodes
(metal plates), current flows in the circuit.
Hallwachs, in 1888, connected a negatively charged zinc plate to an
electroscope and found that negatively charged particles were emitted from the
zinc plate under the action of ultraviolet light. It was found that zinc, cadmium,
magnesium, etc., responded only to ultraviolet light, having short wavelength,
to cause electron emission from the surface. However, some alkali metals such
as lithium, sodium, potassium, caesium and rubidium were sensitive even to
visible light.
Experimental Study of Photoelectric Effect
1. Effect of intensity of light on photocurrent
2. Effect of potential on photoelectric current
The minimum negative potential of emitter plate A for which the photocurrent
stops or becomes zero is called the cut off potential or stopping potential (V0)
3. Effect of Intensity of incident radiation on stopping potential
4. Effect of frequency of incident radiation on stopping potential
Laws of Photoelectric Effect
Threshold Frequency
Threshold frequency is the minimum cut-off frequency of the incident radiation, below
which photoemission is not possible, regardless of the intensity of the incident light.
Photoelectric Effect and Wave Theory of Light
Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation: Energy Quantum of Radiation
Variation of stopping potential with frequency of incident radiation
Wave Nature of Matter
