All Flashcards
Define the photoelectric effect.
The emission of electrons from a material when light strikes it.
What is a photon?
A discrete packet of electromagnetic energy (light).
Define threshold frequency ().
The minimum frequency of light required to eject electrons from a material.
What is the work function ()?
The minimum energy needed to remove an electron from a material's surface.
Define maximum kinetic energy ().
The maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons in the photoelectric effect.
What is the difference between light intensity and frequency in the photoelectric effect?
Intensity: Affects the number of emitted electrons. Frequency: Affects the kinetic energy of emitted electrons.
What is the effect of increasing the frequency of incident light above the threshold frequency?
The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons increases.
What happens if the frequency of incident light is below the threshold frequency?
No electrons are emitted, regardless of the light's intensity.
What is the effect of increasing the intensity of incident light (above threshold frequency)?
More electrons are emitted per unit time (increased current), but their maximum kinetic energy remains the same.
What is the effect of using a material with a higher work function?
A higher threshold frequency is required for electron emission.
What is the effect of shining light on a metal surface?
If the light's frequency is above the threshold frequency, electrons are emitted from the metal surface (photoelectric effect).