Kinetic energy of a photoelectron

In summary, the value hf-w is equal to the maximum kinetic energy of a photoelectron because w represents the minimum amount of work required to remove the easiest electrons from the metal. Therefore, the remaining energy can be converted to kinetic energy without the need for defining a maximum value.
  • #1
Krushnaraj Pandya
Gold Member
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Homework Statement


Why is the value hf-w equal to maximum kinetic energy (not just kinetic energy) for a photoelectron?

2. The attempt at a solution
w is the energy needed for electron to escape the surface, so the rest should convert to KE, and no such need for defining KE(max) should be needed.
I'd be grateful if someone could resolve my process of thinking here
 
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  • #2
Not all electrons require the same amount of work to remove them from the metal. W is defined to be the minimum amount of work required. That is, W is the amount of energy required to remove those electrons that are easiest to dislodge from the metal.
 
  • #3
TSny said:
Not all electrons require the same amount of work to remove them from the metal. W is defined to be the minimum amount of work required. That is, W is the amount of energy required to remove those electrons that are easiest to dislodge from the metal.
Got it! Thank you :D
 

1. What is kinetic energy of a photoelectron?

The kinetic energy of a photoelectron is the energy possessed by an electron after it has been emitted from a material due to the absorption of a photon. It is a measure of the electron's motion and is dependent on the frequency of the incident light and the material's work function.

2. How is kinetic energy of a photoelectron calculated?

The kinetic energy of a photoelectron can be calculated using the equation Ek = hν - φ, where Ek is the kinetic energy, is the energy of the incident photon, and φ is the work function of the material.

3. What factors affect the kinetic energy of a photoelectron?

The kinetic energy of a photoelectron is affected by the frequency of the incident light, the work function of the material, and the angle at which the electron is emitted. It is also dependent on the properties of the material, such as its density and atomic structure.

4. How does the kinetic energy of a photoelectron relate to the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon of electrons being emitted from a material when it is exposed to light of a certain frequency. The kinetic energy of the photoelectron is directly related to the energy of the incident photon and the work function of the material, as described by the equation Ek = hν - φ. This relationship is a key aspect of the photoelectric effect.

5. Why is the study of kinetic energy of photoelectrons important?

The kinetic energy of photoelectrons is an important concept in the field of quantum mechanics and is crucial in understanding the behavior of electrons in materials. It is also the basis for many modern technologies, such as solar panels and photodiodes, which rely on the photoelectric effect to convert light energy into electrical energy.

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