- Understand that photoelectrons may be emitted from a metal surface when it is illuminated by electromagnetic radiation.
- Understand and use the terms threshold frequency and threshold wavelength.
- Explain photoelectric emission in terms of photon energy and work function energy.
- Students will be able to define and explain key terms such as photoelectric effect, photoelectron, threshold frequency, threshold wavelength, work function, incident radiation, and photon energy in English.
- Students will be able to describe the experimental observations of the photoelectric effect.
- Students will be able to explain Einstein’s quantum theory explanation of the photoelectric effect, including the role of photons and the work function.
- Students will be able to use Einstein’s photoelectric equation (hf = Φ + KEmax) to solve problems.
- Students will be able to interpret graphs related to the photoelectric effect (e.g., KEmax vs. frequency).
Let’s familiarize ourselves with the key terms for this topic. Төмендегі кестеде осы тақырып бойынша негізгі терминдер берілген.
| English Term | Russian Translation (Перевод на русский) | Kazakh Translation (Қазақша аудармасы) |
|---|---|---|
| Photoelectric Effect | Фотоэлектрический эффект (Фотоэффект) | Фотоэлектрлік эффект (Фотоэффект) |
| Photoelectron | Фотоэлектрон | Фотоэлектрон |
| Threshold Frequency (f0) | Пороговая частота (f0) (Красная граница фотоэффекта по частоте) | Табалдырық жиілік (f0) (Фотоэффектінің қызыл шекарасы жиілік бойынша) |
| Threshold Wavelength (λ0) | Пороговая длина волны (λ0) (Красная граница фотоэффекта по длине волны) | Табалдырық толқын ұзындығы (λ0) (Фотоэффектінің қызыл шекарасы толқын ұзындығы бойынша) |
| Work Function (Φ or W or E0) | Работа выхода (Φ или W или Aвых) | Шығу жұмысы (Φ немесе W немесе Aшығу) |
| Photon Energy (E = hf) | Энергия фотона (E = hf) | Фотон энергиясы (E = hf) |
| Maximum Kinetic Energy (KEmax or Ek,max) | Максимальная кинетическая энергия (KEмакс или Eк,макс) | Максималды кинетикалық энергия (KEмакс немесе Eк,макс) |
| Incident Radiation | Падающее излучение | Түскен сәулелену |
| Planck’s Constant (h) | Постоянная Планка (h) | Планк тұрақтысы (h) |
| Electronvolt (eV) | Электронвольт (эВ) | Электронвольт (эВ) |
To help you memorize these terms, you can use flashcards. Check out this set on Quizlet (or create your own!):
Search for Photoelectric Effect Terms on Quizlet
Alternatively, create physical flashcards for active recall.
Understand the definitions of key concepts. Төменде негізгі ұғымдардың анықтамалары берілген.
- Photoelectric Effect: The emission of electrons (called photoelectrons) from a material (typically a metal) when electromagnetic radiation, such as light, on its surface.
- Photoelectron: An electron that is emitted from a material as a result of the photoelectric effect, i.e., due to the absorption of energy from incident electromagnetic radiation.
- Threshold Frequency (f0): The minimum frequency of incident electromagnetic radiation required to cause photoelectric emission from a particular metal surface. Below this frequency, no photoelectrons are emitted, regardless of the intensity of the radiation.
- Threshold Wavelength (λ0): The maximum wavelength of incident electromagnetic radiation that can cause photoelectric emission from a particular metal surface. Radiation with a wavelength longer than λ0 will not cause photoemission. It is related to the threshold frequency by λ0 = c/f0.
- Work Function (Φ or W): The minimum amount of energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a particular metal to a point just outside its surface (with zero kinetic energy). It is a characteristic property of the metal. Unit: Joules (J) or electronvolts (eV).
The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon that provides strong evidence for the particulate nature of light and is a cornerstone of quantum physics.
1. What is the Photoelectric Effect?
The photoelectric effect is the of electrons, called photoelectrons, from the surface of a material (usually a metal) when electromagnetic radiation (such as visible light, ultraviolet light, or X-rays) of sufficiently high frequency is incident upon it.
[Image of Фотоэлектрлік эффекттің негізгі қондырғысы]
2. Key Experimental Observations
Experiments on the photoelectric effect revealed several key features that could not be explained by the classical wave theory of light:
- Instantaneous Emission: Photoelectrons are emitted almost instantaneously (within about 10-9 s) after the radiation strikes the surface, provided the frequency is high enough. Classical wave theory predicted a delay, as electrons would need time to absorb enough energy from a continuous wave.
- Threshold Frequency (f0): For each metal, there is a specific minimum frequency of incident radiation, called the threshold frequency (f0), below which no photoelectrons are emitted, no matter how the radiation is. Classical wave theory predicted that any frequency of light, if intense enough, should eventually be able to eject electrons.
- Kinetic Energy of Photoelectrons: The maximum kinetic energy (KEmax) of the emitted photoelectrons depends only on the frequency of the incident radiation and the type of metal. It does not depend on the intensity of the radiation. Increasing the intensity increases the number of photoelectrons emitted per second (the photoelectric current), but not their maximum kinetic energy. Classical wave theory predicted that higher intensity (more energy per unit area per unit time) should lead to higher kinetic energy of electrons.
3. Einstein’s Explanation (Photon Theory)
In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed an explanation for the photoelectric effect based on Planck’s quantum hypothesis. He suggested that:
- Electromagnetic radiation consists of discrete packets of energy called photons.
- The energy of each photon is given by E = hf, where h is Planck’s constant and f is the frequency of the radiation.
- When light is incident on a metal surface, a single photon interacts with a single electron in the metal.
- An electron can only be ejected if the energy of the incident photon (hf) is greater than or equal to the minimum energy required for the electron to escape from the metal. This minimum energy is called the work function (Φ) of the metal. The work function is a characteristic property of the metal, representing how tightly electrons are bound.
Einstein’s Photoelectric Equation:
If a photon of energy hf strikes an electron, and hf > Φ, the electron is emitted. The energy of the photon is used in two ways:
- To overcome the attractive forces holding the electron in the metal (equal to the work function Φ).
- The remaining energy becomes the kinetic energy (KE) of the emitted photoelectron.
The electrons emitted will have a range of kinetic energies because some electrons may lose energy through collisions within the metal before escaping. The maximum kinetic energy (KEmax) is achieved by electrons that escape from the surface without such energy losses.
This leads to Einstein’s photoelectric equation:
hf = Φ + KEmax
Or, rearranging for the maximum kinetic energy:
KEmax = hf — Φ
Where:
- KEmax is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectron (in Joules, J, or electronvolts, eV).
- hf is the energy of the incident photon (J or eV).
- Φ (Phi) is the work function of the metal (J or eV).
4. Threshold Frequency (f0) and Threshold Wavelength (λ0)
From Einstein’s equation, if the photon energy hf is less than the work function Φ, KEmax would be negative, which is physically impossible. This means no electrons are emitted.
The minimum frequency of radiation (threshold frequency, f0) required to just eject an electron (i.e., with KEmax = 0) is when the photon energy is exactly equal to the work function:
hf0 = Φ
So, the threshold frequency is:
f0 = Φ / h
The corresponding maximum wavelength (threshold wavelength, λ0) is:
Since c = f0λ0, then λ0 = c / f0. Substituting f0 = Φ/h:
λ0 = hc / Φ
If f < f0 (or λ > λ0), no photoelectric emission occurs.
If f ≥ f0 (or λ ≤ λ0), photoelectric emission occurs.
Graphical Representation:
A graph of KEmax of photoelectrons against the frequency ‘f’ of incident radiation is a straight line:
KEmax = hf — Φ
This is in the form y = mx + c, where:
- y = KEmax
- x = f
- The gradient (m) = h (Planck’s constant)
- The y-intercept (c) = -Φ (negative work function)
- The x-intercept (where KEmax = 0) = f0 (threshold frequency)
Check Your Understanding / Өзіңді тексер:
- Easy: What is meant by the term ‘threshold frequency’ in the context of the photoelectric effect?
[/su_spoiler] - Medium: Explain why the wave theory of light fails to explain the existence of a threshold frequency.
[/su_spoiler] - Medium: The work function of a metal is 2.5 eV. Light of frequency 7.0 x 1014 Hz is shone on it. Will photoelectrons be emitted? (h = 6.63 x 10-34 J s; 1 eV = 1.60 x 10-19 J)
[/su_spoiler] - Hard (Critical Thinking): If the intensity of light shining on a metal surface is doubled (keeping the frequency above the threshold frequency), what happens to: (a) the number of photoelectrons emitted per second, (b) the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons, and (c) the work function of the metal? Explain your reasoning based on the photon model.
[/su_spoiler]
Activity 1: Concept Map
Create a concept map linking the following terms: Photoelectric Effect, Photon, Electron, Metal Surface, Incident Light, Frequency, Wavelength, Energy, Work Function, Threshold Frequency, Kinetic Energy.
[Image of Концептуальная карта для фотоэффекта (пустая или пример)] [/su_spoiler]Activity 2: Equation Components
For Einstein’s photoelectric equation: hf = Φ + KEmax
Identify what each symbol represents and its typical SI unit:
- h: _________________________ (Unit: _____)
- f: _________________________ (Unit: _____)
- Φ: _________________________ (Unit: _____)
- KEmax: ____________________ (Unit: _____)
Watch this video for a visual explanation of the Photoelectric Effect:
This video explains the observations and Einstein’s quantum explanation.
Further viewing:
Problem 1: The work function of caesium is 2.14 eV.
a) Calculate the threshold frequency for caesium.
b) Light of wavelength 450 nm is shone onto the caesium surface. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectrons in eV.
(h = 6.63 x 10-34 J s; 1 eV = 1.60 x 10-19 J; c = 3.00 x 108 m/s)
[Image of Схема фотоэлемента с цезиевым катодом]
a) f0 = Φ/h = (3.424 x 10-19 J) / (6.63 x 10-34 J s) ≈ 5.16 x 1014 Hz
b) λ = 450 nm = 450 x 10-9 m.
Ephoton = hc/λ = (6.63e-34 * 3e8) / (450e-9) J ≈ 4.42 x 10-19 J
Ephoton (eV) ≈ (4.42 x 10-19 J) / (1.60 x 10-19 J/eV) ≈ 2.76 eV
KEmax = Ephoton — Φ = 2.76 eV — 2.14 eV = 0.62 eV
Work function of caesium, Φ = 2.14 eV
Wavelength of incident light, λ = 450 nm = 450 x 10-9 m
h = 6.63 x 10-34 J s
1 eV = 1.60 x 10-19 J
c = 3.00 x 108 m/s
a) Calculate the threshold frequency (f0):
First, convert the work function to Joules:
Φ (J) = 2.14 eV * (1.60 x 10-19 J/eV) = 3.424 x 10-19 J
The threshold frequency is given by hf0 = Φ, so f0 = Φ/h.
f0 = (3.424 x 10-19 J) / (6.63 x 10-34 J s)
f0 ≈ 0.51644 x 1015 Hz
f0 ≈ 5.16 x 1014 Hz
b) Calculate the maximum kinetic energy (KEmax) of emitted photoelectrons in eV:
First, calculate the energy of an incident photon (Ephoton):
Ephoton = hc/λ
Ephoton = (6.63 x 10-34 J s * 3.00 x 108 m/s) / (450 x 10-9 m)
Ephoton = (19.89 x 10-26 J m) / (4.50 x 10-7 m)
Ephoton = 4.42 x 10-19 J
Now, convert this photon energy to electronvolts:
Ephoton (eV) = (4.42 x 10-19 J) / (1.60 x 10-19 J/eV)
Ephoton (eV) ≈ 2.7625 eV
Using Einstein’s photoelectric equation: KEmax = Ephoton — Φ
KEmax = 2.7625 eV — 2.14 eV
KEmax = 0.6225 eV
KEmax ≈ 0.62 eV
Use the PhET "Photoelectric Effect" simulation to investigate the concepts learned.
Simulation Link: Photoelectric Effect Simulation
Tasks:
- Choose a metal (e.g., Sodium). Start with a long wavelength (low frequency) light and high intensity. Are electrons emitted?
- Gradually decrease the wavelength (increase the frequency) until you just start to see electrons being emitted. Note this wavelength/frequency. This is your experimental threshold wavelength/frequency.
- Calculate the work function of the metal using your experimental threshold frequency (Φ = hf0). Compare it with known values if available.
- Now, set the frequency above the threshold. Observe the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons. Increase the intensity of the light. Does KEmax change? What does change?
- Keep the intensity constant but increase the frequency further. How does this affect KEmax? Plot a rough graph of KEmax vs. frequency based on your observations. What does the slope represent? What about the x-intercept?
Task: Photoelectric Effect Scenarios with GoConqr or Formative
In pairs or small groups:
- Scenario: Three different metals (Metal A: Φ = 2.0 eV; Metal B: Φ = 3.5 eV; Metal C: Φ = 4.8 eV) are illuminated by monochromatic light of wavelength 300 nm.
- For each metal, determine:
a) The energy of the incident photons in eV.
b) Whether photoelectric emission will occur.
c) If emission occurs, the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons in eV. - Discuss which metal would be most suitable for a photodetector designed to respond to visible light (approx. 400 nm to 700 nm).
- Create a short presentation (e.g., using GoConqr slides) or an interactive quiz on Formative to explain your findings and test understanding of how work function affects photoemission for different light sources.
Answer the following questions. Show all your working. (h = 6.63 x 10-34 J s; c = 3.00 x 108 m/s; 1 eV = 1.60 x 10-19 J; mass of electron me = 9.11 x 10-31 kg)
- Analysis/Application: Ultraviolet light of wavelength 250 nm is incident on a metal surface with a work function of 3.5 eV.
a) Calculate the energy of an incident UV photon in eV.
b) Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of an emitted photoelectron in Joules.
c) Calculate the maximum speed of an emitted photoelectron.
[/su_spoiler] - Analysis/Synthesis: When light of frequency 6.0 x 1014 Hz illuminates a metal surface, the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons is 0.80 eV. When light of frequency 9.0 x 1014 Hz illuminates the same surface, the maximum kinetic energy is 2.04 eV.
a) Using this data, determine a value for Planck’s constant.
b) Determine the work function of the metal in eV.
c) Determine the threshold frequency for this metal.
[/su_spoiler] - Synthesis/Application: A beam of light consists of N photons per second, each of energy E. This beam is incident on a surface that absorbs all the photons. Derive an expression for the power P of the light beam and the force F exerted by the light beam on the surface.
[/su_spoiler] - Analysis/Evaluation: The concept of a photon having momentum (p=E/c) seems counter-intuitive as photons have no rest mass. Explain how this is possible and why it is a necessary consequence of relativity and quantum theory.
[/su_spoiler] - Critical Thinking/Application: A laser emits a continuous beam of monochromatic light. If the wavelength of the light is decreased (e.g., changing from red to blue light) while keeping the number of photons emitted per second constant, how does this affect:
a) The energy of each photon?
b) The total power of the laser beam?
c) The momentum of each photon?
d) The total force the beam could exert if it were fully absorbed by a surface?
Explain your reasoning for each.
[/su_spoiler]
- Save My Exams (A-Level Physics CIE — Quantum Physics):
- Photons & Photoelectric Effect: Save My Exams — Photons
- PhysicsAndMathsTutor (A-Level CIE — Quantum Physics): PhysicsAndMathsTutor — Quantum Physics
- Khan Academy (Photoelectric effect): Khan Academy — Photoelectric Effect
- HyperPhysics (Photoelectric Effect): HyperPhysics — Photoelectric Effect
- YouTube — Problem Solving (Photoelectric Effect): Search for Photoelectric Effect Problem Solving
Take a few moments to reflect on what you’ve learned:
- What are the key experimental observations of the photoelectric effect that classical wave theory could not explain?
- How does Einstein’s concept of photons and the work function successfully explain these observations?
- Why is the threshold frequency a crucial concept in understanding photoemission?
- If you increase the intensity of light below the threshold frequency, why are still no photoelectrons emitted?