Topics
MODERN PHYSICS Quantum Physics The photoelectric effect
Description
The photoelectric effect is the observation that many metals emit
electrons when light shines upon them. Electrons emitted in this manner
can be called photoelectrons. The phenomenon is commonly studied in
electronic physics, as well as in fields of chemistry, such as quantum
chemistry or electrochemistry.
Sample Learning Goals
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(a) show an appreciation of the particulate nature of electromagnetic
radiation
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(b) recall and use the equation E = hf
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(c) show an understanding that the photoelectric effect provides
evidence for the particulate nature of electromagnetic radiation while
phenomena such as interference and diffraction provide evidence for
the wave nature
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(d) recall the significance of threshold frequency
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(e) recall and use the equation 0.5 mvmax 2 = eVs , where Vs is the
stopping potential
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(f) explain photoelectric phenomena in terms of photon energy and work
function energy
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(g) explain why the stopping potential is independent of intensity
whereas the photoelectric current is proportional to intensity at
constant frequency (h) recall, use and explain the significance of the
equation hf = Φ + 2 1 mvmax 2