Question

question 24 of 25
scientists began to describe matter as behaving like a wave rather than a
particle after they observed which phenomenon?

a. an electric current being formed by shining light on a metal

b. determining the number of electrons lost by an atom

c. light of specific frequencies being emitted by excited atoms in a
gas

d. an electron beam forming interference patterns

Explanation:

• Option A: The photoelectric effect (electric current formed by shining light on a metal) shows light behaves as particles (photons), not matter as waves.
• Option B: Determining electron loss by an atom is related to chemical reactions (electron transfer) and not about matter - wave behavior.
• Option C: Emission of light of specific frequencies by excited atoms in a gas is related to atomic energy levels (quantized energy) and not about matter - wave behavior.
• Option D: Interference patterns are a characteristic property of waves. When an electron beam forms interference patterns, it shows that electrons (matter) can behave like waves.

Answer:

D. An electron beam forming interference patterns