Only metals undergo photoelectric effect?

[Amrutha.phy]

Only metals undergo photoelectric effect?

 

[fissile_mop]

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.

 

[fissile_mop]

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:

Spoiler

Metals give up their electrons more easily: smaller band gap. Non-metals like to hold on to them: larger band gap.

 

[Amrutha.phy]

I didn't get your point... Actually, I didn't get clarity...