Can you please explain the significance of photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is the emission/removal of electrons, normally, from the surface of a metal. This is done as light is shone on the metal. This is a very useful proof that light can act as a particle, due to the fact that there is a threshold frequency, above which the photoelectric effect only works. The threshold frequency is the lowest frequency at which enough energy(known as the work function) is provided to the electron so that it can be removed from the surface of the metal. This proves that light behaves as a particle as it is evidence that the interaction between the photons of light and the electrons is one to one. Otherwise, if light could only behave as a wave, the photoelectric effect would occur regardless of the frequency of the light, and only have different time delays. 

Answered by Khawaja A. Physics tutor

4371 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe, using words, an equation, *and* a graph for each, the following gas laws: (i) Boyle's Law (ii) Charles' Law (iii) The Pressure Law


Show that gravitational force within a nuclei is negilible compared with the electric repulsion.


Why do gravitational fields around point masses obey an inverse square law?


What is the De Broglie wavelength of an electron given it has a kinetic energy of 1 eV? You are given the mass of an electron is 9.11x10^-31 kg and Planck's constant is 6.63x10^-34


We're here to help

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