What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectic effect is when photoelectrons are released from a metal that light is incident upon. The photoelectrons are only emitted when the photons of light are above a certain threshold frequency and energy (called the work function). The energy of the photoelectrons is equivalent to the gaps in electron energy levels of the atoms that compose the metal. Each photon above the work function produces exactly 1 photoelectron and any excess energy is given to the photoelectron in the form of kinetic energy. If the frequency of the light is below the threshold frequency then no photoelectrons are released. 

GR

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The LHC accelerates protons to a speed of 0.999999991c around a 27km ring. Due to relativistic effects, their mass increases. Given that the magnetic fields used are 8T, calculate this mass. What is the total energy of an LHC beam containing 3e14 protons?


Define Simple Harmonic Motion


A water jet starts at a point X and reaches its maximum height at a point Y. Air resistance has a negligible effect on the motion of the water jet. (i) State the direction of the force acting on the jet at Y. (1 mark)


A spherical object of mass 150kg is orbiting the Earth. The distance between the centre of the object and the centre of the Earth is 25,000m. What is the kinetic energy of the object?