Albert Einstein's Quantum Theory of Light
Although Einstein is known for his theories of relativity, he is also responsible for making a great contribution to the understanding of quantum mechanics via his study of light relating to the photoelectric effect.
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The Photoelectric Effect
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The photoelectric effect states that the surface of a metal object emits electrons when light makes contact with it. Increased intensity means that more electrons are emitted while increased frequency means faster electron movement.
Planck's Constant
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In the early 20th century, Max Planck examined how an object's radiation relates to its temperature. He assumed that a vibrating molecule had a specific amount of energy (called a quantum) determined by the vibration's frequency multiplied by a certain constant.
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Quantum Theory of Light
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Using Planck's findings, Einstein developed a theory that light also carries energy in quanta. These quanta would become known as photons and showed that light consists of particles.
Aftermath
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Einstein published his findings in a paper titled "On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light," which earned him the 1921 Nobel Prize.
Legacy
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Although Einstein showed that light has a particle nature, other experiments have shown that light consists of waves. Thus, it was determined that light has a dual nature as both particle and wave.
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