What is the threshold frequency for this material?

In summary, the question is asking for the threshold frequency of a material in a photoelectric effect, where incident photons with energy of 5.00 eV produce electrons with a maximum kinetic energy of 3.00 eV. The equation to find the threshold frequency is f(sub t) = (hf - KE)/h, where KE is the kinetic energy, h is Planck's constant, and f(sub t) is the threshold frequency. The relationship between photon energy and frequency is that they are directly proportional, with energy being equal to Planck's constant multiplied by frequency. The difference in energy between the incident photon and the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectron is significant as it represents the amount of energy used to release the electron
  • #1
mmg0789
39
0
the question is:

in a photoelectric effect, it is found that incident photons with energy 5.00 eV will produce electrons with a maximum kinetic energy 3.00 eV. What is the threshold frequency of this material?

the equation i have to work with is KE=hf-hf(sub t) and here the way to figure out threshold freq is to solve for f(sub t) with would equal
hf-KE/h

and KE would be found--i guess--by multiplying (3)(1.6e10^-19)

i did al that but i don't know what the 5.00 eV is and what the frequency is

thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
What is the significance of the difference in energy between the incident photon and the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectron?

What is the relationship between photon energy and frequency?
 
  • #3
huh!? i hav no idea-:confused:
 
  • #4
When a photon is absorb by an electron, part of the energy goes to releasing the electron from its bound state, and the excess energy goes into the kinetic energy of the now photoelectron.

The energy of a photon, E is proportional to frequency of the photon. Hint - Planck's constant.
 

1. What is threshold frequency in light?

Threshold frequency in light refers to the minimum frequency of light required to eject electrons from a metal surface, known as the photoelectric effect. This frequency is different for different types of metals.

2. How is threshold frequency determined?

Threshold frequency is determined by conducting experiments where the intensity of light is kept constant but the frequency is varied. The frequency at which electrons are just ejected from the metal surface is then measured, and this is known as the threshold frequency.

3. What is the significance of threshold frequency?

The threshold frequency is significant because it determines whether or not the photoelectric effect will occur. If the frequency of light is below the threshold frequency, no electrons will be ejected regardless of the intensity of the light. This supports the particle theory of light, which states that light is made up of discrete packets of energy called photons.

4. How does threshold frequency relate to the work function of a metal?

The work function of a metal is the minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the surface of the metal. The threshold frequency is directly related to the work function, as the threshold frequency must be equal to or greater than the work function for the photoelectric effect to occur.

5. What factors can affect the threshold frequency?

The threshold frequency can be affected by the type of metal, as different metals have different work functions. It can also be affected by the surface condition of the metal, as a smoother surface can require a higher threshold frequency. Additionally, the presence of a potential difference or an external electric field can also affect the threshold frequency.

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