Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The quantum model treating light as discrete packets of energy (photons) whose energy is proportional to frequency; used to explain why increasing brightness does not increase the kinetic energy of ejected electrons.
AP course connection
Topic 15.1: 15.1 Quantum Theory and Wave-Particle Duality