Classical electromagnetic theory was successful in explaining or predicting only one of the characteristics or experimental results of photoelectric emission. These graphs illustrate these main experimental results. Which one is in agreement with predictions of classical electromagnetic theory?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) None of these is correct.

Question

Classical electromagnetic theory was successful in explaining or predicting only one of the characteristics or experimental results of photoelectric emission. These graphs illustrate these main experimental results. Which one is in agreement with predictions of classical electromagnetic theory?
A) 1 
B) 2 
C) 3 
D) 4 
E) None of these is correct.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Graph 2, which shows the emission current increasing linearly with the intensity of incident light, is in agreement with the predictions of classical electromagnetic theory. This theory predicted that increasing the intensity of the incident light would increase the energy transferred to the electrons, increasing their kinetic energy and the emission current. However, graphs 1, 3, and 4 all contradict classical electromagnetic theory by showing that increasing the frequency of the incident light, rather than its intensity, is what causes an increase in the emission current.

Classical Electromagnetic Theory Was Successful in Explaining or Predicting Only