Quantum Mechanics - Part 1: Crash Course Physics

The video explores the nature of light, initially understood as a wave, but later discoveries suggested it also behaves like a particle, leading to the concept of wave-particle duality. The ultraviolet catastrophe challenged classical physics, resolved by Planck's law, which introduced the idea of energy quanta. Einstein furthered this with the photoelectric effect, proving light's particle nature. The video concludes with the dual nature of light, foundational to quantum mechanics.

What conclusion did physicists reach about the nature of light in the 19th century?

What was the ultraviolet catastrophe and why was it significant?

How did Max Planck's equation resolve the issues related to black body radiation?

What role did Einstein play in the development of the particle theory of light?

What is the photoelectric effect and how does it relate to the particle theory of light?

How does the energy of a photon relate to its frequency and the work function?

Explain the concept of wave-particle duality in the context of light.