The discussion centers on the photoelectric effect as it relates to Potassium and UVC light. It establishes that UVC light can indeed cause Potassium to emit more electrons than its specific work function due to the higher energy of the photons. The work function represents the minimum energy required to release photoelectrons, and higher energy photons can lead to increased photocurrent and potentially multiple electron emissions. The conversation also highlights the importance of a clean Potassium surface for accurate measurements and suggests the use of calibrated detectors instead of DIY methods.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the applications of the photoelectric effect and electron emission in metals.
It's not clear from your question, what your existing level of knowledge is. Potassium is a metal and not a 'mineral'. Is your question a general one or is it particularly related to UVC?pager48 said:Would UVC shined onto Potassium cause it to emanate more electrons than its specific work function? Does only the specific work function per mineral cause the mineral to emanate electrons or more energetic sources can also cause it to do the same without using its specific work function?
From what the textbooks tell us, the Potassium surface needs to be clean - for the purposes of measuring work function. The standard apparatus has a blade inside the vacuum which scrapes the metal surface. (See any A Level txt book.)pager48 said:Whats the rate of electrons emmited and at which velocity from a 3^2cm potassium surface area