Quantum Mechanics

Question 1

Electronvolt (eV)

Answer 1

The kinetic energy gained by an electron accelerated through a p.d. of 1V. It is equal to 1.6 x 10^-19 J

Question 2

Line spectrum

Answer 2

Characteristic pattern of lines observed in emission or absorption of light by a given element caused by the quantised electron energy level structure in the atom

Question 3

Photoelectric effect

Answer 3

The phenomenon in which high energy (UV and above) EM radiation causes the release of electrons from the surface of a metal

Question 4

Photon

Answer 4

The quantum of energy of the electromagnetic field

Question 5

Threshold frequency

Answer 5

The minimum frequency of the incident EM radiation needed to eject photoelectrons from the surface of a metal

Question 6

Work function

Answer 6

The minimum energy required to remove the most energetic electrons from the surface of a metal. It is dependent on the metal