Question

Why is the photoelectric effect important?

Answer 1

Step 1: Photoelectric effect

1. When electromagnetic radiation such as light is struck on a metal surface then electrons can be ejected from the metallic surface.
2. This phenomenon is known as the photoelectric effect and electrons that are ejected from the metal surface are known as photoelectrons.

Step 2: Importance of Photoelectric effect

1. It helps in explaining the particle nature of light.
2. It is used in the photocells, such as calculators, alarms, solar cells, etc.
3. The photoelectric effect is widely used in electronic devices which are specialized in the emission of electrons in a precisely timely manner.
4. This effect is used to detect the presence of light.
5. In our daily life, it is used in cameras and captures the presence of light due to the reflection of light from an object in front of the camera as this light produces photoelectrons which are detected and gives the signal for the presence of the object in front of the camera.

Thus, photoelectric effect is important.