Explaining the Photoelectric Effect: What is the Energy Converted To?

  • Thread starter Cheman
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In summary: Yeah, thanks ZapperZ, this is exactly what i intended to ask. The kinetic-energy is used up to some extent in order to overcome the work-function
  • #1
Cheman
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Phtoelectric effect...

As a result of the work function the photoelectron loses kinetic energy - but what is this energy converted into? People always say its the energy to overcome the electromagnetic forces but could someone please explain what this energy is actually converted into and how?

Thanks. :)
 
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  • #2
Cheman said:
As a result of the work function the photoelectron loses kinetic energy - but what is this energy converted into? People always say its the energy to overcome the electromagnetic forces but could someone please explain what this energy is actually converted into and how?

Thanks. :)

It's the same effect when you shoot a ball vertically upwards. The ball loses kinetic energy - so what does that kinetic energy gets converted to?

The work function is nothing more than an attractive potential, the same way gravity is an attractive potential. If you don't have a problem with one, you shouldn't have a problem with the other.

Zz.
 
  • #3
Light radiates into some electrode. Isn't this kinetic energy used to get some electron out of this electrode ?

regards
marlon
 
  • #4
marlon said:
Light radiates into some electrode. Isn't this kinetic energy used to get some electron out of this electrode ?

Huh?

The question asked (if I interpret it correctly) from the point of the creation of photoelectrons AFTER absorption of photons. If a photoelectron has any kinectic energy, some of it will be "used up" to overcome the work function.

Zz.
 
  • #5
ZapperZ said:
Huh?

The question asked (if I interpret it correctly) from the point of the creation of photoelectrons AFTER absorption of photons. If a photoelectron has any kinectic energy, some of it will be "used up" to overcome the work function.

Zz.


Yeah, thanks ZapperZ, this is exactly what i intended to ask. The kinetic-energy is used up to some extent in order to overcome the work-function


thanks
regards
marlon
 

FAQ: Explaining the Photoelectric Effect: What is the Energy Converted To?

What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from a material when it is exposed to light. This effect was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and was later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905.

What is the energy converted to in the photoelectric effect?

The energy from the light is converted to the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons. This is due to the fact that light is made up of particles called photons, which transfer their energy to the electrons in the material, causing them to be released.

How does the energy of the photons affect the photoelectric effect?

The energy of the photons determines the maximum kinetic energy that the emitted electrons can have. The higher the energy of the photons, the higher the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons will be. This relationship is known as the photoelectric effect equation: Emax = hν - φ, where h is Planck's constant, ν is the frequency of the light, and φ is the work function of the material.

What is the work function of a material?

The work function is the minimum amount of energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a material. It is different for each material and can be thought of as a measure of the material's ability to hold onto its electrons. Metals typically have low work functions, making them good conductors of electricity.

What are the practical applications of the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect has many practical applications, including solar cells, photodiodes, and photocells. It is also used in devices such as cameras, photocopiers, and barcode scanners. It is also the basis for the study of quantum mechanics, which has many significant technological applications.

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