An atom absorbs or emits only particular frequencies of light.White light bends into a glass prism and separates into a rainbow of colors.In which of these two scenarios does the electromagnetic radiation behave as a wave? As a particle?
A)Absorption of light shows wave behavior while bending of light shows particle behavior.
B)Absorption of light shows particle behavior while bending of light shows wave behavior.
C)Both absorption and bending of light show particle behavior.
D)Both absorption and bending of light show wave behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Absorption of light by atoms is best explained by the particle nature of light, where photons are absorbed by electrons to move to higher energy levels. The bending of light, or refraction, as it passes through a prism is explained by the wave nature of light, where different frequencies (colors) of light bend at different angles due to their varying wavelengths.

An Atom Absorbs or Emits Only Particular Frequencies of Light