The Photoelectric Effect

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the photoelectric effect.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon where light of sufficient energy causes the emission of electrons from a metal surface.

Photoelectrons

Electrons emitted from a metal surface when the photoelectric effect occurs.

Threshold Frequency

The minimum frequency of light required to liberate electrons from the surface of a metal.

Planck’s Constant (h)

A fundamental constant, approximately $6.63 imes 10^{-34}$ Js, used in the equation for photon energy.

Photon Energy (E)

The energy of a photon, calculated using the formula $E = hf$.

Electronvolt (eV)

A unit of energy equivalent to the energy gained by an electron moving through a potential difference of 1 V, equal to $1.6 imes 10^{-19}$ J.

Work Function (Φ)

The minimum energy required to release a photoelectron from the surface of a metal.

Stopping Potential (Vs)

The potential difference required to stop the photoelectric effect from occurring.

Kinetic Energy of Photoelectrons

The excess energy of a photon above the work function, contributing to the motion of emitted photoelectrons.

Relationship Between Energy and Frequency

The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency.