The Photoelectric Effect: Basics
The photoelectric effect
- The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from the surface of a metal upon the absorption of electromagnetic radiation
- Electrons removed from a metal in this manner are known as photoelectrons
- The emission of photoelectrons is known as photoelectric emission
- The photoelectric effect provides important evidence that light is quantised
- This is shown by the fact each electron can absorb only a single photon
- This means only the frequencies of light above a threshold frequency will emit a photoelectron
The photoelectric effect
Photoelectrons are emitted from the surface of metal when light shines onto it
Examiner Tip
Make sure to brush up on common misconceptions:
- The electrons are already in the metal, they are not produced in any way by the incoming light rays
- Each electron can absorb only one photon
