P&W : Wave-Particle Duality

Question 1

Photoelectric Effect (photoemission)

Answer 1

Provides evidence for the particle nature of light

The photoelectric effect (or photoemission) is the ejection of electrons from a metal surface by photons of sufficient energy incident on the surface

For photoemission to occur:

The energy of the photons must be gereater than the work function of the metal.

The frequency of the photons must be greater than the threshold frequency

Question 2

Photon

Answer 2

A particle of light that can also be thought of as a short burst of wave energy

Question 3

Threshold Frequency

Answer 3

The minimum frequency of a photon required to cause the emmision of photoelectrons from a metal surface

Question 4

Work Function

Answer 4

The minimum energy of a photon required to casue the emission of photoelectrons from a metal surface.

Question 5

What does a greater iradiance mean

Answer 5

Greater irradiance=more photons=more electrons ejected

Question 6

Photoelectric current

Answer 6

The number photelectrons emmited each second from the surface of the material