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Physics
Classical Physics
Electromagnetism
Photoelectric Effect: Electron Flow Explained
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[QUOTE="ZapperZ, post: 5639468, member: 6230"] I'm trying to decipher what exactly is being asked here because some of the terms being used is a bit confusing. Are you asking why, when you reverse-bias the cathode with respect to the anode, that there can still be a current flow in the "circuit"? If this is the question, then this has more to do with the electronics. In a simple photoelectric experiment setup, one of the electrodes (either the cathode or the anode) has a "floating" potential. This allows for one to set a potential with respect to the other, but still allows for current to flow if charges either enter or leave it. So for example, you may ground the cathode, and have the anode's potential to float. Then, you can reverse-bias the anode's potential, but any electrons that hits the anode are still flowing on that branch of the circuit, so current is registered. The built-in electronics allows that. The electrons that enter the anode do not make a closed loop back to the cathode. The circuit diagram that you see that often accompanies the photoelectric effect is highly simplified and often only a schematic representation of what is going on. Zz. [/QUOTE]
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Physics
Classical Physics
Electromagnetism
Photoelectric Effect: Electron Flow Explained
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