How Does the Work Function of Cesium Impact Photoelectric Effect Calculations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculations related to the photoelectric effect using cesium's work function. The participant calculated the frequency of light at 530 nm, yielding a photon energy of 3.75 x 10^-19 J. They derived the number of photons produced and the resulting photo-electrons, concluding with a current of 8.54 x 10^-9 C/s. It was clarified that the work function of cesium is not necessary for calculating the number of photo-electrons, but it is essential for determining their energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with Planck's equation (E = hf)
  • Knowledge of the concept of work function in photoelectric materials
  • Basic proficiency in calculating current and charge (I = Q/t)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the work function of cesium and its implications in photoelectric experiments
  • Learn about the relationship between photon energy and photoelectron emission
  • Explore the concept of power in the context of the photoelectric effect
  • Study advanced calculations involving the photoelectric effect and different materials
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and the photoelectric effect, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to photon energy and work functions.

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Homework Statement



http://www.astro.uvic.ca/~jwillis/teaching/phys215/phys215_assign_2.pdf

It's question 2.

Homework Equations



Work = U/t
E = hf
f = c/lambda
I=Q/t

The Attempt at a Solution



f = c/lambda = (3.00x10^8 m/s)/(530x10^-9 m) = 5.66x10^14 Hz

E = hf = (6.626x10^-34 Js)(5.66x10^14Hz) = 3.75x10^-19 J/photon

Work = 2.00x10^-3 J/s ----> in one second U = 2.00x10^-3 J

#photons = U / E = 5.33 x 10^15 photons

#photo-electrons produced = (5.33 x 10^15)/(10^5) = 5.33x10^10 photo-electrons

Q = (5.33x10^10)(1.60x10^-19 C) = 8.54x10^-9 C

I = 8.54x10^-9 C/s

The thing is I did not use the work function of cesium to solve this. Hence I am unsure if this is right... Any help would be appreciated.

THANKS!
 
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btw, when you say "work", I think you mean "Watts" or more precisely "power".
your method looks good to me.
work function only comes in when you want to know the energy of the photo-electron..but you are only concerned with the amount of them (ie. current) the most you could do is to check that the incoming photon energy can indeed overcome the work function: [tex]E_\text{photon} > \phi[/tex]. I don't think there is any problem with that
 

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