What does the particle theory of light state?

The particle theory of light, also known as the photon theory, asserts that light can be thought of as a stream of particles called photons. Each photon carries a discrete amount of energy, which is related to the frequency of the light. When light interacts with matter, such as the surface of a material, it can eject electrons from that material. This phenomenon is observed in the photoelectric effect.

The statement regarding the number of photoelectrons ejected being proportional to the intensity of light aligns with this theory, as intensity corresponds to the number of photons striking a surface per unit time. Higher intensity means more photons, leading to more opportunities for photoelectrons to be ejected. Thus, according to the particle theory, the intensity of light directly influences the quantity of electrons emitted, making this choice the correct answer.

On the other hand, other options presented do not accurately elaborate on the particle theory. While intensity impacting color perception is related to how we perceive light, it does not directly describe the particle nature of light. Saying light behaves only as a wave contradicts the particle theory, as it recognizes the dual nature of light. Lastly, photons are massless particles, which means attributing mass to them is incorrect and is contrary to the established