Question

What do free electrons at the surface of a metal do when radiation falls on the surface, according to the wave picture?

Options

• Explain interference, diffraction, and polarisation

• Overcome the work function

• Continuously absorb radiant energy

• Immediately escape from the metal surface

Answer 1

The wave picture predicts that free electrons at the metal surface continuously absorb radiant energy. This prediction leads to expectations that conflict with photoelectric emission observations.