- #1
Manula
- 28
- 0
what happens if a photon with insufficient energy to overcome the work function collide with a electron.
Photoelectric Effect: Insufficient Energy Collision
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the behavior of photons with insufficient energy to overcome the work function when they collide with electrons. It explores concepts related to elastic collisions, energy transfer, and the photoelectric effect, particularly in the context of metals.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that an elastic collision occurs, where the photon hits the electron without removing it from its orbit, resulting in scattering.
- Others argue that the excited electron decays back below the Fermi energy, recombining with a hole and transferring energy to lattice vibrations, which is then lost as heat.
- A participant questions the correctness of their earlier response, seeking clarification on the nature of the interaction.
- One participant emphasizes that the photoelectric effect typically involves collective phenomena in metals and that the electrons involved come from the conduction band, challenging the notion of individual atomic orbits.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the nature of the collision and energy transfer processes, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.
Contextual Notes
There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the behavior of electrons in metals and the definitions of terms like "orbits" and "collective phenomena." The discussion does not resolve these issues.
- #2
sciboudy
- 89
- 0
Manula said:
I think elastic collision take place photon will hits the electron without remove it from it's orbit
and photon will cause scattering
- #3
- 32,819
- 4,723
Manula said:
The excited electron decays back below the Fermi energy (it recombines with a hole that was created when it got excited). The energy then is transferred to the lattice vibrations of the material, and is lost as heat.
Zz.
- #4
sciboudy
- 89
- 0
ZapperZ said:
what about my answer Dr Zz it's wrong ?
- #5
- 32,819
- 4,723
sciboudy said:
Yes, and you really shouldn't be offering an answer if you are not sure (re-read the PF Rules that you had agreed to).
Photoelectric effect often takes place in METALS, and metals are solids. It means that most of its behavior are due to a COLLECTIVE phenomena, not due to individual atoms. The electrons that are involved in a standard photoelectric effect comes from the CONDUCTION BAND, not from individual atoms. So to invoke "orbits" is incorrect in this case.
Zz.
- #6
sciboudy
- 89
- 0
okay sorry
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