Increasing intensity causes a contradiction in classical physics?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the photoelectric effect, specifically addressing the relationship between light intensity and the kinetic energy of emitted photoelectrons. According to the principles outlined by the professor, increasing the intensity of the light source does not enhance the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons; rather, it increases the number of electrons and the resulting current. In contrast, altering the color (frequency) of the light directly affects the kinetic energy of the photoelectrons, highlighting a contradiction in classical physics, which posits that intensity correlates with amplitude rather than frequency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with classical physics principles
  • Knowledge of light intensity and frequency relationships
  • Basic concepts of electron emission in photocells
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the quantum theory of light and its implications on the photoelectric effect
  • Study the differences between classical and quantum physics
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of the photoelectric effect
  • Investigate experimental setups for demonstrating the photoelectric effect
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching the photoelectric effect, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of quantum mechanics and its divergence from classical physics.

Turion
Messages
145
Reaction score
2
According to my prof, increasing intensity of the light source in a photocell for the photoelectric effect does not increase the kinetic energy of photoelectrons emitted. Instead, the number of electrons emitted (and current) increases. Changing the colour of the light causes an increase in kinetic energy of the photoelectrons emitted.

Why is this a contradiction in classical physics as my prof claims?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Classical physics states that the intensity of light should be proportional to the square of the amplitude of the wave and should have nothing to do with its frequency.
 

Similar threads

High School Photoelectric and summation of photons energy
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
681
Undergrad Photoelectric effect: Saturation voltage
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Why is there now evidence of a lag time in the photoelectric effect?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
High School Question about photocell experiment
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Undergrad What are Einstein's 3 postulates for Photo electric effect?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
Undergrad The physical components in the electron double slit experiment
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Using Interference Principles to Increase the Efficiency of Solar Panels
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
High School How to increase wave amplitudes
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Photoelectric effect: V classically independent of intensity
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
How Does Light Intensity and Frequency Affect Photoelectron Emission?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K