Photoelectric Effect: Measuring Stopping Voltage

[tomz]

Hi everyone, a quick question on photoelectric effect.

Why measure stopping voltage by connecting a battery to the circuit and then adjust until current reach 0? Cant we just use a voltmeter?


Thank you!

 

[mfb]

In theory, you could wait until all the photo-electrons generate the voltage themself - but that would require so many photo-electrons that it is not practical. In addition, no isolation is perfect (especially with an attached voltmeter), the system would discharge itself.

 

[tomz]

In theory, you could wait until all the photo-electrons generate the voltage themself - but that would require so many photo-electrons that it is not practical. In addition, no isolation is perfect (especially with an attached voltmeter), the system would discharge itself.

Thanks. After some thinking I guess there is also the problem that not all electrons released have the theoretical maximum energy, so the potential get from a voltmeter will be biased

 

[sophiecentaur]

Thanks. After some thinking I guess there is also the problem that not all electrons released have the theoretical maximum energy, so the potential get from a voltmeter will be biased

The distribution in velocities will just mean that it takes longer to reach the maximum voltage - the low velocity electrons will play no part in the process once the voltage is greater than their particular stopping voltage.
Finding the value of V that will stop the current would be a more practical way, I think - which is why it's recommended.