What is the definition of the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons from the surface of a metal due to exposure of electromagnetic radiation above a certain frequency.
Photon energy (E=hf or E=hc/λ).
The work function is the minimum energy needed by a conduction electron to escape from the metal surface when the metal is at zero potential.
When a conduction electron absorbs a photon, its kinetic energy increases by an amount equal to the energy of the photon. If the energy of the photon exceeds the work function, the conduction electron can leave the metal.
If the conduction electron doesn’t leave the metal, it repeatedly collides with other electrons and positive ions and loses its extra kinetic energy

Answered by Chris D. Physics tutor

10309 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

State the principle of superposition of waves and illustrate it schematically.


A ball is launched from ground level at 5m/s at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal. What is its height above ground level at the highest point in its trajectory?


Describe one technique you could use to measure the threshold voltage for LEDs.


State Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences