Electron vs Photon: The Photoelectric Effect Explained

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The photoelectric effect describes how photons hit a metal surface, energizing outer electrons to escape, which leaves the metal positively charged. In typical experiments, the metal is grounded, allowing electrons to be replenished from the Earth, preventing permanent charge loss. The energy of the emitted electrons corresponds to the frequency of the incoming light, not its intensity, which only affects the number of emitted electrons. The concept of grounding serves as a charge reservoir, ensuring that the metal maintains its electron balance. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping both quantum physics and electrical circuits.
  • #31
right but like are the photons inside the matter and then they are released or what am i
missing.
 
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  • #32
The photon is created from something like a vacuum using energy ? I wish I can answer. Maybe the vacuum is something to be ready to release photons. The vacuum may have a lot of photons and anti-photons.
 
  • #33
there are no anti-photons, the photon is its own anti particle.
 

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