The Electron: Photoelectric Effect

Photoelectric Effect The photoelectric effect is when electrons are emitted from the surface of a metal due to electromagnetic radiation hitting the metal It is the opposite of the X-ray effect

Photons Bundles of light energy E = hf E = energy of the photon h = Planck's constant f = frequency of the electromagnetic wave

Einstein's Photoelectric Law The energy of the faster electron emitted is the difference between the energy of the photon and the work function of the metal  hf = ϕ + 1/2(m)(vmax)²  h = Planck's constant f = frequency of the electromagnetic wave ϕ = work function of the metal m = mass of an electron vmax = maximum velocity of any of the emitted electrons

In this picture the red wavy line signifies electromagnetic radiation hitting the surface of a metal. This causes electrons to be emitted from the surface

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