Photoelectric Effect: Frequency vs. Amplitude

In summary, the photoelectric effect is the process in which electrons are released from a material when it is exposed to light with energy greater than the binding energy of the electrons. The frequency of the light directly affects the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons, as described by the equation E=hf. The amplitude of the light does not directly affect the photoelectric effect, but can influence the number of electrons ejected. The threshold frequency is the minimum frequency of light needed to eject electrons and is unique to each material. The photoelectric effect supports the particle theory of light, as the energy of the ejected electrons is directly related to the frequency of the light, and wave theory does not explain the phenomenon.
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How energy of the emitted electron is proportional to the incident light frequency but not to its amplitude according to photoelectric effect?
 
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Because each ejected electron has only interacted with one photon. Thus the energy depends only on the frequency of that photon. Higher amplitude just means more photons falling onto the material. As far as I know, until you get to really, REALLY high intensities, the kind you can only get from extremely powerful lasers, the chances of an electron interacting with more than one photon at a time is essentially zero.
 
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FAQ: Photoelectric Effect: Frequency vs. Amplitude

What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon in which electrons are ejected from a material when it is exposed to light. This effect occurs when the energy of the light is greater than the binding energy of the electrons in the material.

How does frequency affect the photoelectric effect?

The frequency of the light directly affects the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons. Higher frequency light has more energy, so it can eject electrons with greater kinetic energy. This relationship is described by the equation E=hf, where E is the energy of the ejected electron, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of the light.

How does amplitude affect the photoelectric effect?

The amplitude of the light does not directly affect the photoelectric effect. Amplitude refers to the intensity or brightness of the light, which can influence the number of electrons ejected, but not their kinetic energy. The energy of the ejected electrons is determined by the frequency of the light.

What is the threshold frequency in the photoelectric effect?

The threshold frequency is the minimum frequency of light required to eject electrons from a material. Below this frequency, no electrons will be ejected regardless of the intensity of the light. The threshold frequency is unique to each material and is determined by the binding energy of its electrons.

How does the photoelectric effect support the particle theory of light?

The photoelectric effect provides evidence for the particle nature of light. This is because the energy of the ejected electrons is directly proportional to the frequency of the light, which is a characteristic of particles. Furthermore, the photoelectric effect cannot be explained by wave theory, as waves do not have the ability to eject electrons from a material.

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