What is the relationship between stopping potential and the intensity of light?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between light intensity and stopping potential in the context of the photoelectric effect. It is established that while higher light intensity can lead to more photons interacting with electrons, it does not directly increase stopping potential, which is defined by the equation eVo = KEmax = hf - Wo. The work function (Wo) is independent of intensity, and the stopping potential is primarily influenced by the energy of individual photons rather than their quantity. The participants clarify that wavelength and intensity are independent properties, reinforcing the theoretical framework of the photoelectric effect.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
  • Familiarity with the equation eVo = KEmax = hf - Wo
  • Knowledge of photon energy and work function concepts
  • Basic principles of light intensity and wavelength
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the photoelectric effect and its implications on electron behavior
  • Study the relationship between photon energy and work function in various materials
  • Explore experiments demonstrating the photoelectric effect with varying light intensities
  • Investigate the role of wavelength in photon interactions with electrons
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in quantum mechanics and the photoelectric effect, as well as anyone studying the properties of light and its interaction with matter.

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The higher the intensity of the light we will get a higher stopping potential.
Why is that so? is there any theory and formula to justifiy this behavior?

How is wavelength affecting the intensity of light?

Please advise.

Thank You
 
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Are you sure a higher intensity of light leads to a higher stopping potential? That is contrary to the photoelectric effect!
The wavelength and intensity of light are independent properties.
 
Fightfish said:
Are you sure a higher intensity of light leads to a higher stopping potential? That is contrary to the photoelectric effect!
The wavelength and intensity of light are independent properties.

Well, theoretically it doesn't. I just did and experiment on this my result shows that when the intensity of light reduces, the stopping potential, albeilt slightly, reduces as well. Possibly because

stopping potential, eVo = KEmax = hf - Wo

and since Wo is dependent on the intensity of light, this will in turn affect our stopping potential. I might be wrong so...yeah..
 
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Sorry to wake up the dead.
Stumbled upon this and it looked interesting.

When an electron is hit by a photon which has an energy below the work function, the electron is excited for a short period of time before returning to the initial state. So if the intensity of light is high it is possible for 2 or more photons to hit the same electron (albeit under very low probability) within this very short period of time, thus causing it to detach.

I think this may be a possible explanation.

*edit* Just to clarify, intensity of light is the amount of photons.
 

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