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Photoelectric Effect Equation:
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The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when light of sufficient energy strikes it. The kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons is given by KE = hf - φ, where hf is the photon energy and φ is the work function of the material.
The calculator uses the photoelectric effect equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that the kinetic energy of the emitted electron equals the photon energy minus the energy needed to escape the material (work function).
Details: Calculating the kinetic energy of photoelectrons is crucial for understanding quantum mechanics, designing photoelectric devices, and applications in spectroscopy and material science.
Tips: Enter photon energy and work function in electron volts (eV). Photon energy must be greater than or equal to the work function for electron emission to occur.
Q1: What is the work function?
A: The work function is the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a material.
Q2: What happens if photon energy is less than work function?
A: No electrons will be emitted, regardless of the light intensity. This demonstrates the particle nature of light.
Q3: How does intensity affect the photoelectric effect?
A: Higher intensity increases the number of emitted electrons but not their kinetic energy, which depends only on the photon energy.
Q4: What are practical applications of the photoelectric effect?
A: Solar cells, photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, and digital camera sensors all utilize the photoelectric effect.
Q5: Who discovered the photoelectric effect?
A: Heinrich Hertz first observed it in 1887, but Albert Einstein provided the theoretical explanation in 1905, for which he received the Nobel Prize.