Explaining the Photoelectric Effect: What is the Energy Converted To?

[Cheman]

Phtoelectric effect...

As a result of the work function the photoelectron loses kinetic energy - but what is this energy converted into? People always say its the energy to overcome the electromagnetic forces but could someone please explain what this energy is actually converted into and how?

Thanks. :)

 

[ZapperZ]

As a result of the work function the photoelectron loses kinetic energy - but what is this energy converted into? People always say its the energy to overcome the electromagnetic forces but could someone please explain what this energy is actually converted into and how?

Thanks. :)

It's the same effect when you shoot a ball vertically upwards. The ball loses kinetic energy - so what does that kinetic energy gets converted to?

The work function is nothing more than an attractive potential, the same way gravity is an attractive potential. If you don't have a problem with one, you shouldn't have a problem with the other.

Zz.

 

[marlon]

Light radiates into some electrode. Isn't this kinetic energy used to get some electron out of this electrode ?

regards
marlon

 

[ZapperZ]

Light radiates into some electrode. Isn't this kinetic energy used to get some electron out of this electrode ?

Huh?

The question asked (if I interpret it correctly) from the point of the creation of photoelectrons AFTER absorption of photons. If a photoelectron has any kinectic energy, some of it will be "used up" to overcome the work function.

Zz.

 

[marlon]

Huh?

The question asked (if I interpret it correctly) from the point of the creation of photoelectrons AFTER absorption of photons. If a photoelectron has any kinectic energy, some of it will be "used up" to overcome the work function.

Zz.

Yeah, thanks ZapperZ, this is exactly what i intended to ask. The kinetic-energy is used up to some extent in order to overcome the work-function


thanks
regards
marlon