Photoelectric Effect
This simulation demonstrates the photoelectric effect, showing how light of different frequencies affects electron emission from a metal surface. Change the light frequency and intensity to observe the results.
When light shines on the metal surface, electrons may be emitted if the light frequency is above the threshold frequency. The kinetic energy of emitted electrons depends on the light frequency, not its intensity.
Photoelectric Effect Explained
1. Light behaves as packets of energy called photons (E = hf).
2. Electrons are emitted only when photon energy exceeds the metal's work function (Φ).
3. Kinetic energy of emitted electrons: KE = hf - Φ.
4. Intensity affects the number of electrons, not their energy.
Light energy is quantized in packets called photons. Each photon has energy E = hf, where h is Planck's constant (6.63×10⁻³⁴ J·s) and f is frequency.
Sodium: Φ = 2.3 eV
Potassium: Φ = 2.3 eV
Calcium: Φ = 2.9 eV
Copper: Φ = 4.7 eV
Zinc: Φ = 4.3 eV
