# Classical radius of an electron and its implications prob.

## Homework Statement

The classical radius of an electron is 2.82 x 10-15 m. If a material is radiated with sunlight with an intensity of 500W/m2, calculate using classical arguments the time required for an electron to gain an energy of 1eV. How does this result compare with electron emission in the photo-electric effect?

## Homework Equations

$$E= hf$$

## The Attempt at a Solution

I completely do not have any idea how to do this question. Can anyone provide my with the necessary equation. So far i do not have any idea which equation has " t" in it.

And the difference between classical and modern physic is :
Electrons are emitted from the surface almost instantaneously (less than 10-9 secs) even at low intensities.
Classically the electrons would require some time to absorb the incident radiation before they acquire enough kinetic energy to escape from the metal.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

## Answers and Replies

Related Introductory Physics Homework Help News on Phys.org
Since we are given a power in the intensity, once you find the energy required in terms of the power, you can find the time.

Not too sure about this, but since you know the radius of the electron, you can get its area, A.

You can then get the power emitted onto the electron.

P=IA

Now P=Et, solve for t. Don't forget to use the same units here.

As for comparing, find some way to get wavelength, i guess, from the intensity you are given and use E=hf.

kk got it thanks.