True or False Questions on the Photoelectric Effect

In summary, the kinetic energy of emitted electrons is dependent on the frequency of the photons, not the number of photons. The energy of radiation is inversely proportional to the wavelength. The number of emitted electrons is influenced by the intensity of the electromagnetic wave and the work function of the material. The release of electrons is determined by whether they have absorbed enough energy to overcome the binding energy.
  • #1
kickingpaper
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Homework Statement


1. The kinetic energy of emitted electrons depends on the frequency, not the number of photons.
2. The energy of the radiation is proportional to the wavelength.
3. The number of emitted electrons depends on the number of photons, not the frequency of the radiation.
4. The radiation needs a minimum number of photons for any electrons to be released

The Attempt at a Solution


1. True. The KE of the photoelectrons depend on the frequency of the photon and on the work function of the material.
2. False. The energy of the radiation is proportional to the inverse of the wavelength.
3. False. The number of photoelectrons emitted depends on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave and the work function of the material.
4. False. One photon interacts with one electron. Whether the electron is emitted depends on whether it absorbed enough energy to overcome the binding energy.

Where am I going wrong?
 
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  • #2
I would rethink #3.

Although strictly speaking that statement is not answerable as true or false. (What would happen if all the photons had too low a frequency?)
 

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it is exposed to light of a certain frequency. This discovery was made by Albert Einstein and has been crucial in understanding the dual nature of light as both a particle and a wave.

2. What is the difference between a true and false statement in the context of the photoelectric effect?

A true statement in the context of the photoelectric effect is one that accurately reflects the observed behavior of electrons being emitted from a material when exposed to light. A false statement would be one that contradicts or does not align with the known principles and laws of the photoelectric effect.

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

The intensity of light does not affect the photoelectric effect. The number of electrons emitted from a material is dependent on the frequency of the light, not the intensity. However, increasing the intensity of light will increase the number of photons, which in turn increases the number of electrons emitted.

4. Can the photoelectric effect be observed with all materials?

No, the photoelectric effect can only be observed with certain materials, known as photoemissive materials. These materials have a low work function, which is the minimum energy required to release an electron from the material. Examples of photoemissive materials include metals like zinc and potassium.

5. What is the practical application of the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect has many practical applications, such as in solar panels where it is used to convert light energy into electrical energy. It is also used in photocells, which are used to detect and measure light intensity in devices like cameras and automatic doors. Additionally, the photoelectric effect is used in photomultiplier tubes to amplify and detect very small amounts of light.

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