Simple Photoelectric Effect Conceptual Question

In summary, the conversation discusses the relation between kinetic energy and photon energy, specifically in terms of the work function. The work function is the minimum energy needed to free an electron with a photon, and if the photon energy is less than the work function, there is not enough energy to free an electron. If the photon energy is equal to the work function, the kinetic energy of the electron is zero.
  • #1
fallen186
41
0
This is more of a conceptual question.

Homework Statement


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1.[tex]KE_{Max} = hf-\phi[/tex]

2.[tex]\phi[/tex] = Work Function. The minimum energy required to free an electron with a photon

3.[tex]E=hf[/tex] This it the energy of a photon
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In my book it says that" [tex]hf > \phi[/tex]" then electrons can be ejected" and ""If the light frequency is too low, such that the photon energy [tex]hf[/tex] is less than the work function [tex]\phi[/tex], then there is simply insufficeient energy in any given photon to free an electron.

What is the kinetic energy of an electron if the energy of a photon is the same as the Work Function? Like what happens?
 
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  • #2
the kinetic energy of an electron is zero
Like what happens? !
 

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which the emission of electrons from a material occurs when it is exposed to light or other electromagnetic radiation.

2. What is the difference between the photoelectric effect and the photovoltaic effect?

The photoelectric effect refers to the emission of electrons from a material, while the photovoltaic effect refers to the production of electricity from light through the use of photovoltaic cells.

3. What is the threshold frequency in the photoelectric effect?

The threshold frequency is the minimum frequency of light required to cause the emission of electrons in the photoelectric effect. It is different for each material and is determined by the binding energy of the electrons in the material.

4. What is the work function in the photoelectric effect?

The work function is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a material. It is also known as the binding energy and is measured in electron volts (eV).

5. How does the intensity of light affect the photoelectric effect?

The intensity of light does not affect the photoelectric effect, but the number of photons (individual packets of light energy) does. Increasing the intensity of light will increase the number of photons, and therefore, the number of electrons emitted from the material.

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