Photoelectric effect (1 Viewer)

[junior04]

Can anybody explain the photoelectric effect in layman’s terms for me? I've got a vague idea of what it’s about but it’s still a bit over my head.

 

[Zarathustra]

Light has energy - this energy is given to the electrons - voila - photoelectric effect

 

[*Pooja*]

different light waves have different frequencies. if u have a metal and u shine some light onto it, then that light would have a certain frequency.

the photoelectric effect is basically what occurs when light of sufficient frequency or energy shines onto a metal (cathode) and cause electrons to shoot out from its surface.

now, the metal itself has something called "work function" - this is the energy that is required to release an electron from the surface of the metal cathode. for the photoelectic effect to occur, then this means: energy/frequency of light > the work function (so the electron escapes from the metal).

did that make sense or did i just complicate it too much?

 

[junior04]

yeah, thanks, big help. realised that photoelectric effect isnt in Space but oh well.