Quantum

Question 1

Describe the photoelectric effect

Answer 1

-shine light of a high enough frequency onto a surface of a metal
-the metal will emit electrons
-free electrons on the surface of the metal absorb energy from the light
-if an electron absorbs enough energy, the bonds holding it to the metal break and the electron is released
-the electrons emitted are called photoelectrons

Question 2

What is the threshold frequency

Answer 2

The minimum frequency of light needed to cause electrons to be emitted

For a given metal, no photoelectrons are emitted if the radiation has a frequency below a certain value

Question 3

Give three conclusions of the photoelectric effect

Answer 3

-For a given metal, no photoelectrons are emitted if the radiation has a frequency below a certain value

-the photoelectrons are emitted with a variety of KE ranging from 0 to max value. The max KE increases with the frequency of the radiation, is unaffected by the intensity of the radiation

-the number of photoelectrons emitted per second is proportional to the intensity of the radiation