Photoelectric Equation - SI unit question

In summary, the conversation discusses plotting a graph of stopping voltage against frequency using the equation eV0 = hf - w0. The equation is then rearranged to the form of y = mx + c, with V0 as the stopping voltage, h as the Planck constant, e as the electron constant, and w0 as the threshold frequency. The discussion also touches on the units of h/e and work function energy, which are both given in Joules.
  • #1
CKaiL
38
1

Homework Statement


I am trying to plot a graph of stopping voltage against frequency

The given equation is eV0 = hf - w0

So i need to change it to the form of y = mx + C in order to plot this graph

V0 = h*f/e - w0/e

V0 = h/e * f - w0/e -- > V0 = y , m(gradient) = h/e , x= f and -w0/e = C (y intercept)

V0 is the stopping voltage , h is Planck constant , e is the electron constant , W0 is the threshold frequency

Now I am confused what SI unit does h/e has and w0/e ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
##E=hf##. What are the units of ##h##?
What are the units of work function energy?
 
  • #3
Work function is eV but Planck constant has Js , ev/s
 
  • #4
But eV is equivalent to J right? Can you represent J in terms of SI units?
EDIT: Remember that the work function energy is also given by an identical equation, ##φ=hf_0##, but we instead use the threshold frequency. Numbers play no role in determining the units for an equation.
 

1. What is the photoelectric equation?

The photoelectric equation is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between the energy of a photon and the energy of an electron emitted from a metal surface through the photoelectric effect.

2. What does the photoelectric equation represent?

The photoelectric equation represents the conservation of energy in the photoelectric effect, where the energy of a photon is converted into the kinetic energy of an electron.

3. What are the units of the photoelectric equation?

The units of the photoelectric equation depend on the specific variables used. Generally, the energy of a photon is measured in joules (J), the work function of a metal is measured in electron volts (eV), and the kinetic energy of an electron is measured in joules (J).

4. How is the photoelectric equation used in experiments?

The photoelectric equation is used in experiments to determine the energy of a photon or the work function of a metal. By measuring the kinetic energy of the emitted electron, the energy of the photon can be calculated using the photoelectric equation.

5. What is the significance of the photoelectric equation?

The photoelectric equation is significant because it provided evidence for the particle nature of light and supported the theory of quantum mechanics. It also led to the development of technologies such as photovoltaic cells and photoelectric sensors.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
Back
Top