How Does the Photoelectric Effect Transition from Wave to Particle Theory?

[i_island0]

This is regarding photoelectric effect.

Suppose a power source (having power P) is at distance r from the metal plate and photons are assumed to strike the plate normally.
Intensity of light reaching the plate is: I = P/4.PI.r^2
If plate area is A, we say power received is: P(R) = I.A = nhv/t ----(1)

Now, my question is how suddenly we merged wave theory and quantum theory in equation (1).

 

[peter0302]

Because treating light like a single wave with an intensity is just a macroscopic representation of a _very_ large number of photons randomly distributed around the source according to their wave functions.

 

[i_island0]

Because treating light like a single wave with an intensity is just a macroscopic representation of a _very_ large number of photons randomly distributed around the source according to their wave functions.

can u explain in more detail please

 

[i_island0]

i never read anywhere that wave distribution represents photons

 

[peter0302]

The probabilistic distribution of the photons (which are particles) around a point light source is going to represent a wave eminating from a source. Photons are governed by wave functions and the Schrodinger Equation just like all particles. Therefore, like a wave, intensity will decrease with the square of the distance.

 

[joyer2]

This is regarding photoelectric effect.

Suppose a power source (having power P) is at distance r from the metal plate and photons are assumed to strike the plate normally.
Intensity of light reaching the plate is: I = P/4.PI.r^2
If plate area is A, we say power received is: P(R) = I.A = nhv/t ----(1)

Now, my question is how suddenly we merged wave theory and quantum theory in equation (1).

'Quantum theory' is in hv----the energy of a photon is proportional to the frequency. That is completely in conflict with classical eletromagnetism, or electrodynamics, where the energy of the electromagnetic wave does not depend on frequency.

 

[peter0302]

That's right, but the question, I thought, was how could a wave concept like intensity be reconciled with the particle concept, and the answer is because a gazillion photons distributed randomly from a point-source look like a wave with intensity proportional to the number of photons divided by r^2.

 

[marlon]

'Quantum theory' is in hv----the energy of a photon is proportional to the frequency. That is completely in conflict with classical eletromagnetism, or electrodynamics, where the energy of the electromagnetic wave does not depend on frequency.

But look at the experimental results of the photo-electric effect :

1) The kinetic energy of the electrons is proportional to he frequency of the EM radiation
2) The kinetic energy of the electrons is independent of the total energy of the EM radiation (ie the intensity).

It's the second observation that should answer your question !

marlon

 

[joyer2]

But look at the experimental results of the photo-electric effect :

1) The kinetic energy of the electrons is proportional to he frequency of the EM radiation
2) The kinetic energy of the electrons is independent of the total energy of the EM radiation (ie the intensity).

It's the second observation that should answer your question !

marlon

1) tells you the light is quantized---Ek~hv, the kinetic energy of an electron is transferred from one 'light particle'.
2) tells you the light is quantized---the number of photoelectrons N_pe is proportional to the intensity which is the number of photons N_p, i.e, N_pe = N_p, one photon knocks one electron out.

 

[peter0302]

What exactly is the question here?

 

[jtbell]

i never read anywhere that wave distribution represents photons

At what level are you studying? In the USA, most university physics students see this in their second-year "introductory modern physics" course and textbook.

 

[i_island0]

I am a mentor myself. Hopefully will become a good one soon.

 

[marlon]

1) tells you the light is quantized---Ek~hv, the kinetic energy of an electron is transferred from one 'light particle'.
2) tells you the light is quantized---the number of photoelectrons N_pe is proportional to the intensity which is the number of photons N_p, i.e, N_pe = N_p, one photon knocks one electron out.

OOPS, my post was adressed to I_Island, i should have quoted him.

LOL,

I_Island, the above two questions illustrate how the transistion from "wave to particle" is made and explained.

marlon

 

[twinsen]

Quote:
Originally Posted by joyer2 View Post
1) tells you the light is quantized---Ek~hv, the kinetic energy of an electron is transferred from one 'light particle'.
2) tells you the light is quantized---the number of photoelectrons N_pe is proportional to the intensity which is the number of photons N_p, i.e, N_pe = N_p, one photon knocks one electron out.
OOPS, my post was adressed to I_Island, i should have quoted him.

LOL,

I_Island, the above two questions illustrate how the transistion from "wave to particle" is made and explained.

marlon

Does one photon have energy=hv so n photons have energy nhv?
Isn't this another way of explaining the discrete energy levels Planck used to explain the BB radiation. I take it this means that a particle can only act on one other particle and that one photon can't influence two electrons.

This would mean that if we increase n the quantity of photons and intensity then it won't result in an increase in the photoelectrons emitted as long as there are enough photons n to satisfy all the electrons availiable for release?

Im not sure I like the idea of having duality :(

Alex