Which of the following statements describes why quantum theory explained why energy release of light was not continuous?
a. Light cannot spread across a large distance like normally assumed
b. Light decreases in intensity the farther it gets away from the source
c. Light comes in discreet packets as opposed to a continuous distribution
d. Light cannot change its own frequency at any point
c. Light comes in discreet packets as opposed to a continuous distribution.
c. Light comes in discreet packets as opposed to a continuous distribution.
The correct statement that describes why quantum theory explained why energy release of light was not continuous is option c: Light comes in discreet packets (also called photons) as opposed to a continuous distribution.
To understand why this is the case, we need to briefly explain the concept of quantum theory. Quantum theory, also known as quantum mechanics, is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the behavior of particles at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles.
According to classical physics, energy could be emitted or absorbed continuously, implying that the energy release of light should also be continuous. However, experiments in the early 20th century, such as the photoelectric effect and the emission spectrum of atoms, indicated that light behaves in a way that cannot be explained with classical physics.
To address these experimental observations, quantum theory was developed. One of the key ideas in quantum theory is the concept of quantization, which suggests that certain physical properties, including energy, can only exist in discrete (quantized) amounts or levels.
In the case of light, quantum theory explains that it is composed of particles of energy called photons. These photons carry energy in discreet packets or bundles. When light is emitted, it does so in discrete quanta or photons, each carrying a specific amount of energy.
This understanding of light as consisting of discrete packets of energy helps explain various phenomena, including why the energy release of light is not continuous. Since energy is emitted or absorbed in discreet quanta (photons), rather than being spread continuously, the energy release of light occurs in distinct steps or levels.
Therefore, statement c correctly describes that light comes in discreet packets (photons) as opposed to a continuous distribution, as explained by quantum theory.