The Photoelectric Effect (related to quantum physics)

The photoelectric effect occurs when light shines on a metal surface and causes it to emit electrons. In quantum physics, light is made of particles called photons, each carrying a specific amount of energy determined by its color. When a photon hits the metal, it transfers its energy to an electron. If this energy exceeds a certain threshold specific to the metal, the electron is freed and emitted. This phenomenon demonstrated that light has particle-like properties and helped establish quantum theory, highlighting that energy is exchanged in discrete amounts rather than continuous waves.