Photoelectric effect minimum frequency

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the photoelectric effect, specifically the concept of minimum frequency (fmin) required for electron ejection. It is established that while an electron can theoretically absorb two photons of frequency fmin/2 to achieve the necessary energy (h*fmin), the probability of this occurring is significantly reduced, estimated to be down by a factor of at least 100. Additionally, if multiple energy levels are available, an electron can transition to a higher energy state upon absorbing the first photon, potentially allowing for a second photon to be absorbed before de-excitation occurs. Without higher energy levels, the electron dissipates energy after the first photon absorption, preventing the second absorption.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect and its principles
  • Familiarity with photon energy calculations (E = hf)
  • Knowledge of electron energy levels in atoms
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics and probability in photon interactions
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  • Research the mathematical derivation of the photoelectric effect and its implications
  • Explore the concept of photon absorption probabilities in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about electron transitions between energy levels in atoms
  • Investigate experimental setups for observing the photoelectric effect
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Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of the photoelectric effect and photon interactions.

Delta2
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Assume fmin is the minimum frequency of photon required for the electron to be ejected.
Why can't we have an electron absorbing 2 photons of frequency fmin/2 thus the total energy will be 2h*(fmin/2)=h*fmin thus the electron to be ejected?
 
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The probability of absorbing two photons is down by a factor of at least 100.
 
clem said:
The probability of absorbing two photons is down by a factor of at least 100.

So it still can, but it is just unlikely?

What happens when you have many energy levels for the electron to go, so that when the photon hits it it can exist at a higher energy level, and then is hit by another photon before it becomes de-excited?

In The case of no higher energy levels then the electron has no where to go after being hit by first photon and will dissipate the energy before being hit by the second.
 

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