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5: Light as a Particle

Last updated

Apr 22, 2023
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- 4.2: Energy Conservation
- 5.1: Blackbody Radiation

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5.1: Blackbody Radiation
Here we address one of the more puzzling questions in physics around at the start of the 20th century. Even Max Planck, who solved the problem, didn't believe his own answer was correct at the time.
5.2: The Photoelectric Effect
In 1905, Einstein did not limit his theoretical physics contributions to special relativity, he also explained the phenomenon of electrons getting knocked-off conductors when light is shone on them.
5.3: Compton Effect
In relativity, we said that light has momentum. But exactly how does a wave exhibit this? "Scattering" light off tiny particles is very revealing in this regard.
5.4: Double-Slit Experiment
We review the double slit experiment we first encountered when studying physical optics, this time incorporating the observable particle nature of photons.

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