This document entails comprehensive information about Optical phenomena, including definitions, diagrams and additional information to ensure a thorough understanding of the concepts. All of the information needed to calculate the answers to the difficult questions in examinations are included.
The process whereby electrons are ejected from a metal surface
when light of suitable frequency is incident on that surface
Photon Energy
The energy of a photon of light can be calculated as follows:
E = hf
E = hc
h= Planck’s constant (6,63 x 10 )
-34
Measured in Joules
Threshold Frequency
The minimum frequency of light needed to emit electrons from a
certain metal surface (f0)
Work Function
The work function of a metal is the minimum energy that an
electron in the metal needs to be emitted from the metal surface
(W0)
Electron Energy
If the energy of the photons exceed the work function, the excess
energy is transferred to the liberated electron in the form of kinetic
energy
The kinetic energy of the electron can be determined by:
E = W0+Ek (max)
W0 =hf0
Ek (max) = 12m(vmax)2
Significance of the Photoelectric Effect
The wave nature of light can explain the phenomena of reflection,
refraction and interference of light
The photoelectric effect is experimental evidence that shows that
light has particle properties
Light is thus said to have a dual nature: it has both wave and
particle properties
Intensity & Frequency
Increasing the intensity (brightness) of the light means that there
are more photos with the same frequency
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller fatimakarjieker. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R50,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
