Lecture on Photons and the Photoelectric Effect

A set of vocabulary flashcards related to key terms and concepts from the lecture on photons, the photoelectric effect, and the associated experiments.

Photon

A particle of light, often referred to as a quantum of energy of electromagnetic radiation.

Planck constant (h)

A fundamental constant in quantum mechanics, measured in Joule-seconds (Js), used to describe the sizes of quanta.

Energy-Frequency Relationship

The energy of a photon is proportional to its frequency; expressed by the equation E = hf.

Photoelectric Effect

A phenomenon where shining light with enough energy onto a metal releases electrons, called photoelectrons.

Work Function (φ)

The minimum amount of energy required for an electron to leave the surface of a metal.

Threshold Frequency

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

Electron Diffraction

A phenomenon where electrons display wave-like behavior, seen when they pass through the gaps between atoms in a material.

de Broglie Equation

An equation that relates the wave and particle properties of electrons, expressed as λ = h/p.

Intensity of Light

The power per unit area carried by a wave, which affects the number of released photoelectrons in the photoelectric effect.

Kinetic Energy of Released Electrons

The energy that a photoelectron has after being emitted from a metal, related to the energy of the incident photon and the work function.