Question

What is meant by the photoelectric effect?

Answer 1

1. When energy is conveyed to a metal's surface by any incident light, the phrase 'photoelectric effect' can be used to refer to a phenomenon in which electrons are released from the metal's surface.
2. Photoemission is the process by which photoelectrons are ejected from the metal's surface due to the action of incoming light.
3. The formula for photoelectric effect can be written as:$hv=W+E$ where $h$ is the planks constant,$v$ is the frequency of the incident photon, $W$ is the work function,$E$ is the maximum possible kinetic energy.
4. Photoelectrons are the name given to the expelled electrons.
5. It's worth noting that the frequency of the light incidence affects both the emission of photoelectrons and the kinetic energy of the photoelectrons expelled.
6. The photoelectric effect cannot be explained by speaking of light as a wave.
7. In order to comprehend this phenomenon, it is also necessary to acknowledge the particulate nature of light.
8. Light can be thought of as a stream of particles carrying electromagnetic energy.
9. These 'light particles' can be referred to as photons.
10. The energy possessed by a photon can be connected to the frequency of light using Planck's equation.

Hence, the photoelectric effect can be defined as the emission of electrons by a metal surface when light of suitable energy falls on it.