Only metals undergo photoelectric effect?

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SUMMARY

The photoelectric effect is not exclusive to metals; non-metals can also emit electrons when exposed to higher energy photons, particularly in the ultraviolet range. While alkali metals are known for emitting electrons from visible light, the characteristics that define metallic behavior differ from those of non-metals. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why non-metals require higher photon energies for the photoelectric effect to occur.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Knowledge of photon energy levels
  • Familiarity with the properties of metals and non-metals
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the photoelectric effect in non-metals
  • Study the energy levels of photons in the ultraviolet range
  • Explore the characteristics that differentiate metals from non-metals
  • Learn about quantum mechanics principles related to electron emission
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, and researchers interested in the photoelectric effect and the properties of materials, particularly those comparing metals and non-metals.

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Only metals undergo photoelectric effect?
 
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No. Most metals, especially the alkali metals, emit electrons from visible light. Non-metals emit electrons from higher energy photons, in the upper range of ultraviolet.
 
Also, you might want to ask yourself, what makes the metals more 'metallic' than other elements? Compare those characteristics to non-metals, and you'll understand why the photoelectric effect can occur in non-metals at higher photon energies.

answer:
Metals give up their electrons more easily: smaller band gap. Non-metals like to hold on to them: larger band gap.
 
I didn't get your point... Actually, I didn't get clarity...
 

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