Threshold frequency of metals

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of threshold frequency in metals, particularly in relation to the photoelectric effect. Participants inquire about the fixed nature of threshold frequencies for specific metals like iron and copper, and whether these frequencies can vary between samples of the same metal.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks if there is fixed data for the threshold frequency of metals and whether it can vary between different samples of the same metal.
  • Another participant asserts that for a pure element, the threshold frequency is fixed and provides a link for further information.
  • A participant questions if the discussion pertains to the photoelectric effect.
  • A repeated inquiry about the threshold frequency of metals is made, along with a reference to a Wikipedia page that lists work functions from which threshold frequencies can be derived.
  • A later reply confirms that the inquiry is indeed related to the photoelectric effect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the variability of threshold frequencies in different samples of the same metal. There is no consensus on whether threshold frequencies can differ significantly between samples.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on the purity of the metal and the definitions of threshold frequency and work function, which may not be universally agreed upon.

Olly_price
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Is there fixed data for the threshold frequency of metals?

For example, is it possible to find out the threshold frequency of iron or copper?

OR

does threshold frequency vary so greatly that with 2 blocks of iron, the theshold frequency could differ between them?

Depending on the answer, do you know of anywhere online where I could find the threshold frequency of various metals?
 
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For a pure element, it's fixed.

Here is a link that should help.

http://www.standnes.no/chemix/periodictable/ionization-potential-table.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Is this about the photoelectric effect?
 
Olly_price said:
Is there fixed data for the threshold frequency of metals?

For example, is it possible to find out the threshold frequency of iron or copper?

OR

does threshold frequency vary so greatly that with 2 blocks of iron, the theshold frequency could differ between them?

Depending on the answer, do you know of anywhere online where I could find the threshold frequency of various metals?

Wiki gives a list of work functions of metals here (chart at bottom of page) from which you can derive the threshold frequencies.;;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_function

Creator
 
jtbell said:
Is this about the photoelectric effect?

After reading about the photoelectric effect, I posted this so I suppose you could say it is, yes
 

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