Question

Which of the following is/are the failure of the wave theory of light 

1. Failed to explain the rectilinear propagation of light 

2. Waves weren't treated as wavelet

3. Theory was successful to explain laws of reflection and refraction

4. The phenomena like the Compton effect, the photoelectric effect couldn't be explained using this theory  

1. Both 1 and 2
2. Both 1 and 3
3. Both 2 and 4 
4. Both 1 and 4

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Both 1 and 4

CONCEPT:

• The Huygens wave theory of light states each point in the wavefront as the source of secondary wavelets 
• Huygens theory was successful to explain reflection and refraction
• Huygens theory wasn't able to explain the quantum mechanical phenomena like the Compton effect, the photoelectric effect 
• Huygens theory wasn't able to account for rectilinear propagation of light 

EXPLANATION:

• The failures of Huygens theory was it failed to explain the rectilinear propagation of light, phenomena like the Compton effect, the photoelectric effect couldn't be explained using this theory.
• Hence, both statements 1 and 4 are correct.