Resumen de Autumn Foliage and the Photoelectric Effect
This image signals that this contribution is a featured part of the special collection on “Quantum Science and Technology in the Introductory Physics Classroom.” The prevailing approach to modern physics, in both algebra- and calculus-based textbooks, includes a considerable amount of historical exposition combined with physical insight. As an example, Einstein’s successful explanation of the photoelectric effect is very often cited as evidence for the particle nature of light. The purpose of this paper is to inform—or remind—the readers that the latter inference can and should be challenged.
