Describe an experiment that disproved the theory of classical mechanics and led to the discovery of quantum mechanics. What are experiments that validate the wave-particle duality? What is meant by atomic emission spectrum, absorption spectrum, differences? Solution Solution: In 1900,physicist Max Planck presented his quantum theory to the German Physical Society. planck found that by making the assumption that energy existed in individual units in the same way that matter does, rather than just as a constant electromagnetic wave as had been formerly assumed and was therefore quantifiable, The existence of these units became the first assumption of quantum theory. In 1927, Werner Heisenberg proposed that precise, simultaneous measurement of two complementary values - such as the position and momentum of a subatomic particle is impossible.Contrary to the principles of classical physics, their simultaneous measurement is inescapably flawed. He said: the more precisely one value is measured, the more flawed will be the measurement of the other value. This theory became known as the Heisenberg uncertainty principle . Experiment that illustrates the wave particle duality : 2) The characteristic pattern of dark lines or bands that occurs when electromagnetic radiation is passed through an absorbing medium into a spectroscope. An equivalent pattern occurs as coloured lines or bands in the emission spectrum of that medium. A discharge tube is a gas-filled, glass tube with a metal plate at both ends. If a voltage difference is applied between the two metal plates, the gas atoms inside the tube will absorb enough energy to make some of their electrons come off, that means, the gas atoms are ionised. These electrons start moving through the gas and create a current, which raises some electrons in other atoms to higher energy levels. Then as the electrons in the atoms fall back down, they emit electromagnetic radiation (light). As we know; Only certain wavelengths (i.e. colours) of light are seen, though the whole spectrum is known as the emission spectrum.The amount of light emitted at different wavelengths, called the emission spectrum. .