Help photoelectric effect

In summary, the photoelectric effect involves an electron absorbing photons to jump from a lower energy state to a higher energy state. It is possible for an electron to absorb greater frequency photons and release extra energy, as long as it is enough energy for the electron to be ejected from the atom. However, for energy below the ionization energy, the electron is limited to transitioning between energy levels.
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101nancyma
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Help!photoelectric effect

Hi guys, for an electron to jump from a lower energy to a higher energy state, it must absorb photons that correspond to the difference of the these 2 enegry states. I am wondering if it is okey for an electron to absorb greater frequency of photons(greater energy) to make the transition and release the extra energy?
 
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101nancyma said:
Hi guys, for an electron to jump from a lower energy to a higher energy state, it must absorb photons that correspond to the difference of the these 2 enegry states. I am wondering if it is okey for an electron to absorb greater frequency of photons(greater energy) to make the transition and release the extra energy?

Yes... as long as it is enough energy to get right out from the atom. The electron gets ejected with a velocity that makes up the energy difference. But for less than the ionization energy, you are pretty much limited to the transitions from one level to another.
 
  • #3


Hi there, thank you for reaching out for help with the photoelectric effect. To answer your question, yes, it is possible for an electron to absorb photons of a higher frequency (and therefore higher energy) to make the transition and release the extra energy. This is known as the inverse photoelectric effect. However, the energy of the photon must still match the difference in energy between the two states for the electron to make the transition. I hope this helps!
 

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which light (or other electromagnetic radiation) causes the emission of electrons from a material. This effect was first observed and explained by Albert Einstein in 1905.

2. How does the photoelectric effect work?

When light (in the form of photons) hits a material, it can transfer its energy to electrons within the material. If the energy of the photons is high enough, it can free the electrons from their atoms, causing them to be emitted from the material. This process is known as the photoelectric effect.

3. What is the significance of the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect has played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics and our understanding of the behavior of light. It also has practical applications, such as in solar panels, photodiodes, and photomultiplier tubes.

4. What factors affect the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is affected by the frequency and intensity of the incident light, as well as the properties of the material, such as its work function and energy bandgap. Additionally, the number of electrons in the material and their binding energy also play a role.

5. How is the photoelectric effect used in technology?

The photoelectric effect is used in various technologies, such as solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity. It is also used in photomultiplier tubes, which are used to detect and measure light in various applications, such as medical imaging and particle physics experiments.

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