Assume the photon with double the threshold frequency gives all its energy to the electron. How much is used in freeing the electron from the surface? What happens to the rest of the energy?ysidfa said:Homework Statement
"The threshold frequency of a particular metal surface is 5.6 × 1014 Hz. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons if the frequency of the light striking the metal surface is double the threshold frequency."
Taken from AQA Physics Exam 2009
Homework Equations
E=hv, W=hFoThe Attempt at a Solution
I tried working out double the threshold freq. and then going into finding the KEmax from there. Got Really confuzed... :(
The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it is exposed to light of a certain frequency. This was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and was later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905.
The photoelectric effect occurs because when light of a certain frequency, known as the threshold frequency, hits a metal surface, it transfers its energy to the electrons in the metal. This energy is enough to overcome the binding energy of the electrons, causing them to be emitted from the metal.
One of the main difficulties in understanding the photoelectric effect is the wave-particle duality of light. Light is both a wave and a particle, and this duality can be difficult to comprehend. Additionally, the photoelectric effect also challenges the classical theory of electromagnetism, as it cannot fully explain the phenomenon.
The intensity of light does not affect the photoelectric effect. Instead, it is the frequency of light that determines whether or not the effect will occur. Increasing the intensity of light will only increase the number of electrons emitted, but it will not change the energy of the emitted electrons.
The photoelectric effect has many practical applications, such as in solar panels, photodiodes, and photomultiplier tubes. It is also used in photocells, which are commonly used in light sensors and automatic doors. The effect is also the basis of the technology used in digital cameras.