Doubt regarding Planck's Quantum Theory

[Sopandev]

Hello

We all see this statement everywhere : "Planck's quantum theory states that the radiant energy emitted or absorbed by a body is in the form of discreet packets of energy called Quanta, and the energy of the quantum depends on the frequency by the formula E = hv"

Now, my question is, that when Planck quotes that energy propagates in the form of quanta, he, according to me, means that Light has a particle nature. And then everywhere i see in the next line that energy of the quantum depends upon frequency.

My question is, frequency of WHAT?

Can't frequency only be defined when light has a wave nature?

Kindly clarify.
Thanks

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hello Sopandev! Welcome to PF!

"Planck's quantum theory states that the radiant energy emitted or absorbed by a body is in the form of discreet packets of energy called Quanta, and the energy of the quantum depends on the frequency by the formula E = hv"

Now, my question is, that when Planck quotes that energy propagates in the form of quanta, …

No, your quotation says that energy is propagated as waves (with a frequency), but is emitted or absorbed by a body as particles (quanta).

It travels as waves, but arrives as particles. ​

 

[Sankalp Sethi]

It travels as waves, but arrives as particles.

Is this applicable for all kinds of electromagnetic radiations?

 

[Sopandev]

It travels as waves, but arrives as particles.

Hey Tim

Thanks for that. Clears basic things up.

So exactly when in general does light show this particle-like behavior?
I mean, what circumstances compel light to show it's particle-like characteristics?

 

[zorro]

My question is, frequency of WHAT?
Thanks

It's the frequency of the oscillating atoms in the light emitter which emit photons.

 

[Sopandev]

It's the frequency of the oscillating atoms in the light emitter which emit photons.

Well?
How can the two quantities be related?

The frequency of the oscillating atoms in the light emitter(the radiant body) would be a quantity that would relate more with the mechanical aspect of the body, that could be the thermal energy possessed by the body. Oscillating atoms are actually the reason why the body mechanically exists, or has some form of mechanical energy.

On the other hand, the reason why photons are emitted from a body is an entirely different phenomenon. If we assume a body which emits light, it must be due to the existence of an emission spectrum unique to the body. This emission spectrum is caused due to the constituent atoms returning from a higher energy state to a lower energy state.

Please elaborate as to how the two are related.

Thanks.

 

[gennarakis]

So exactly when in general does light show this particle-like behavior?

In the double slit experiment one can see both the particle and wave nature of an electromagnetic wave...Read this... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment
and Watch this...

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

So exactly when in general does light show this particle-like behavior?
I mean, what circumstances compel light to show it's particle-like characteristics?

So exactly when in general does light show this particle-like behavior?

In the double slit experiment one can see both the particle and wave nature of an electromagnetic wave...

Hi gennarakis! Welcome to PF! Hey Sopandev!

That's difficult to answer.

When we measure light (its frequency, its polarisation etc), it's a particle.

When we only interact with light without measuring anything about it (for example, when we divert it through a mirror), it's a wave.

 

[Sankalp Sethi]

My question remains unanswered. Is this applicable for all kinds of electromagnetic radiations.

 

[Deric Boyle]

Sankalp for you the answer is YES. Sopandev basically Sir Planck refer to the pulse frequecy.For clearing your doubt you have to dig deep yourself find an interpretation and compare with the older ones and then discuss it. I think it would be more helpful.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Sankalp Sethi!

My question remains unanswered. Is this applicable for all kinds of electromagnetic radiations.

There is only one kind of electromagnetic radiation (so yes) … the only difference between different radiations is the frequency.

 

[Deric Boyle]

Sir Tim has written a true thing, All EMRs are a result of oscillating magnetic and electric fields.This is the the basic of EMR theory