Photoelectric current: why does it decrease?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of photoelectric current in relation to the wavelength of incident light and its intensity. Participants are exploring the relationship between photon energy, electron emission, and the resulting current in photoelectric experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the photoelectric current should remain constant if the intensity of photons is kept the same, as more photons would lead to more electrons being released.
  • Another participant questions whether the discussion pertains to stopping potential experiments, suggesting a specific experimental setup involving potential differences across plates.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that electrons deeper within the material require more energy to escape, implying that shorter wavelengths might allow these electrons to be emitted, which could affect the current.
  • A participant describes an experiment where light is supplied to a metal surface to release electrons, mentioning that a specific wavelength (240 nm) yields maximum photoelectric current, but expresses confusion over why reducing wavelength while keeping intensity constant leads to a decrease in current.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between wavelength, intensity, and photoelectric current, indicating that there is no consensus on the reasons behind the observed decrease in current with reduced wavelength.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific experimental conditions and assumptions about electron energy levels, but these are not fully resolved or clarified within the discussion.

BasilBassam
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In my book it is stated.When you keep the intensity constant and decrease the wavelength the photoelectric current decreases but I can't understand why?

I thought it would stay the same since photoelectric current depends on the intensity of photons as more number oh photons means more e- released
 
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Are you talking about stopping potentials experiments? As in when EM radiation falls on a plate A and a potential difference is applied across plates A and B such that B is more negative?
 
Should that not be the other way around?

The electrons are not just being released from the surface. The ones further inside need to have more energy to escape the surface. If the wavelength of light is shorter electrons from further inside will make it out.
 
The experiment is you supply light (photons) on a metal surface to release e-
then they said 240 nm wavelength of radiation gives Max Photoelectric current.After that they said Intensity is constant and wavelength is reduced causing the current to decrease but I simply can't understand why
 

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