Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 31 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 597: 9

Answer

The photographs are built up from the interaction of photons of light with either small silver halide crystals, or the pixelated grid of an electronic light sensor. The image is formed by discrete interactions, not continuous waves, so the photos are grainy.

Work Step by Step

This is discussed on page 588. The graininess can also be attributed to the printing process - for example, the printing process may also use discrete dots of ink to create a photograph. Search for "halftone" to read much more about this answer.
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