Photoelectric Effect: Threshold Frequency Explained

In summary, threshold frequency is the frequency at which an electron is ejected from the electrode and moves towards the negatively charged electrode. When applying energy, the leftover energy goes into the kinetic energy of the ejected electron. The red border of the photoeffect represents the specific material's threshold frequency, which is the energy level that the photon must reach in order for the electron to be released from the surface. This energy, known as the existing work of the material, is lost by the electron as it travels towards the electrode. This can be calculated using Einstein's formula Ek=hf-A.
  • #1
Vivan Vatsa
16
1
I have studied photoelectric effect. I have many doubts regarding that, so firstly, I cannot understand when, THRESHOLD FREQUENCY arises. " Threshold frequency is the frequency at which the electron gets ejected from the electrode & runs toward the other negatively charged electrode " , so my question is

When we are applying energy & we know that the electron will get ejected at Threshold Frequency, then where the left over energy goes?
 
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  • #2
At that frequency (red border of photoeffect) of specific material is frequency by which the energy of photon is equal to exiting work of material,in other words electron has to receive at least that amount of energy to relase itself from surface so i think the subject or your interest would be the existing work of material that's the energy the electron loses through his way to relase that surface(electrode) because as einstein showed:Ek= hf-A.
q.e.d
 
  • #3
Vivan Vatsa said:
When we are applying energy & we know that the electron will get ejected at Threshold Frequency, then where the left over energy goes?
The "left over" energy goes into the kinetic energy of the ejected electron. If the energy of the photon is only slightly above the threshold energy, the electron will be moving less quickly than if the photon energy is well above the threshold energy.
 
  • #4
What about W?
 

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it is exposed to light of a certain frequency. This effect was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and was later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905.

2. What is the threshold frequency in the photoelectric effect?

The threshold frequency is the minimum frequency of light required to cause the emission of electrons from a material. Below this frequency, no electrons will be emitted regardless of the intensity of the light.

3. How does the photoelectric effect support the particle nature of light?

The photoelectric effect provides evidence for the particle nature of light, as it shows that light is made up of discrete packets of energy called photons. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, which explains why only light above a certain frequency can cause the emission of electrons.

4. What is the work function in the photoelectric effect?

The work function is the minimum amount of energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a material. It is different for each material and is determined by the strength of the bonds holding the electrons to the material. The work function must be overcome for the photoelectric effect to occur.

5. How does the photoelectric effect relate to modern technology?

The photoelectric effect is the basis for many modern technologies such as solar panels, photodiodes, and photocells. It also plays a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics, which has greatly impacted our understanding of the behavior of matter and energy at a microscopic level.

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