Modern Physics: Photoelectric Effect

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts around the Photoelectric Effect in Modern Physics.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon where light liberates electrons from the surface of a metal.

Quantum

The smallest possible discrete unit of any physical property.

Photon

A quantum of light, which exhibits both particle and wave characteristics.

Work Function (Φ)

The minimum energy required to remove an electron from the surface of a material.

Threshold Frequency (fo)

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

Einstein's Photoelectric Equation

The equation hf = Φ + Ek, where hf is photon energy, Φ is the work function, and Ek is the kinetic energy of the emitted electron.

Planck's Constant (h)

A fundamental physical constant used to describe the sizes of quanta, equal to 6.63 x 10^-34 Js.

Kinetic Energy of Photoelectrons (Ek)

The energy that the emitted photoelectron possesses, calculated as Ek = hf - Φ.

Electron-Volt (eV)

A unit of energy defined as the amount of kinetic energy gained by an electron when it is accelerated through a potential difference of one volt.

Cut-off Voltage

The voltage required to stop all emitted photoelectrons from reaching the collector.

Saturation Current

The maximum current achieved in a photoelectric cell when all emitted electrons strike the collector.

Photocurrent

The electric current generated by the flow of photoelectrons in a photocell.

Wave-Particle Duality

The concept that light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties.

Electromagnetic Radiation

The waves of energy that include visible light and are emitted by vibrating charges.

Intensity of Light

The number of photons hitting a surface per second, which affects the number of emitted photoelectrons.