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Maximum Kinetic Energy Formula:
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The maximum kinetic energy formula (KE_max = e × V_stop) calculates the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons in the photoelectric effect, where e is the elementary charge and V_stop is the stopping potential.
The calculator uses the maximum kinetic energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula directly relates the stopping potential needed to prevent the most energetic photoelectrons from reaching the anode to their maximum kinetic energy.
Details: Calculating maximum kinetic energy is essential for understanding the photoelectric effect, determining the work function of materials, and verifying quantum theory predictions.
Tips: Enter the elementary charge (typically 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C) and the stopping potential in volts. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is the elementary charge constant important?
A: The elementary charge represents the fundamental unit of electric charge and is crucial for converting between electronvolts and joules.
Q2: What is the stopping potential?
A: The stopping potential is the minimum reverse voltage needed to prevent the most energetic photoelectrons from reaching the collector electrode.
Q3: How does this relate to the photoelectric effect?
A: This formula is derived from the photoelectric equation: KE_max = hν - Φ, where hν is photon energy and Φ is the work function.
Q4: Can this formula be used for other applications?
A: While primarily used in photoelectric effect calculations, the relationship between energy and potential is fundamental in various areas of physics.
Q5: Why is the result in electronvolts?
A: Electronvolts are a convenient energy unit in atomic and particle physics, representing the energy gained by an electron moving through 1 volt of potential difference.