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Chapter 10: Problem 7

Describe the photoelectric effect. Name some devices that make use of this process.

Short Answer

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Answer: The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon where light, usually ultraviolet or visible light, falls upon a material causing the ejection of electrons from its surface. It demonstrates the particle nature of light and forms the basis for several modern technologies. The work function (W) of a material is the minimum energy required to eject an electron from its surface. The threshold frequency (f鈧�) is the minimum frequency of light needed to eject electrons. The work function and threshold frequency are directly related, given by the equation W = h*f鈧�, where h is Planck's constant. The energy of an incident photon must be greater than or equal to the work function for the electron to be ejected, otherwise, the electron remains bound to the material.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction of the photoelectric effect

The photoelectric effect is a fundamental phenomenon in modern physics where light, usually ultraviolet or visible light, falls upon a material and causes the ejection of electrons from the material's surface. It demonstrates the particle nature of light and forms the basis for several modern technologies.
02

Work function and threshold frequency

For a given material, there exists a minimum energy called its work function (W), which is the energy required to eject an electron from its surface. This energy can be determined by the threshold frequency (f鈧�), which is the minimum frequency of light needed to eject electrons. Both work function and threshold frequency are directly related, given by the equation W = h*f鈧�, where h is Planck's constant.
03

Photoelectric equation

The photoelectric effect is governed by the photoelectric equation, which arises from the conservation of energy. It states that the kinetic energy (K.E.) of ejected electrons is equal to the difference between the energy of incident photons (E) and the work function (W). Mathematically, it's given by K.E. = E - W or K.E. = h*f - h*f鈧�, where f is the frequency of incident light.
04

Role of incident photons

The energy of an incident photon can only be absorbed by an electron if it is greater than or equal to the work function of the material. If energy is sufficient, the electron is ejected from the surface, otherwise it remains bound to the material. In a sense, light acts like particles with discrete energy quanta called photons. This concept is critical in understanding the photoelectric effect.
05

Devices that make use of the photoelectric effect

Various devices and technologies utilize the photoelectric effect in their operations. Some common examples are: 1. Photocells: These devices generate electric current when light strikes their surfaces. They find applications in solar panels and photovoltaic cells for converting sunlight into electricity. 2. Photomultiplier tubes: They are used to detect low-intensity light signals in scientific experiments and medical devices, amplifying them for further analysis. 3. Light meters: Widely used in photography, a light meter measures the intensity of light and helps photographers determine the correct exposure settings for their photographs.

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