Photons Flashcards
What is a photon?
A discrete packet of energy.
What is the equation for energy of a photon?
E=hf or E=hc/λ
What is the electron volt (eV)?
The energy of an electron accelerated by a potential difference of one volt.
What does one eV equal in joules?
1eV= 1.6x10^-19J
What is a gamma rays typical wavelength and photon energy?
Wavelength: 10^-12m
Photon energy: 10^6eV
What is a x-rays typical wavelength and photon energy?
Wavelength: 10^-10m
Photon energy: 10^4eV
What is a ultraviolet waves typical wavelength and photon energy?
Wavelength: 10^-7 or 10^-8m
Photon energy: 10^1eV
What is a visible waves typical wavelength and photon energy?
Wavelength: 4x10^-7 to 7x10^-7 m
Photon energy: 3.1 to 1.8eV
What is an infrared waves typical wavelength and photon energy?
Wavelength: 10^-5m
Photon energy: 10^-1eV
What is a microwaves typical wavelength and photon energy?
Wavelength: 10^-2m
Photon energy: 10^-4eV
What is a radio waves typical wavelength and photon energy?
Wavelength: 10^2m
Photon energy: 10^-8eV
What is the photoelectric effect?
When light or ultraviolet radiation of short enough wavelength falls on a surface, electrons are emitted from the surface.
What is the work function?
The minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface.
What is the threshold frequency?
The minimum frequency of a photon that will cause the emission of an electron from a particular metal surface.
Describe the photoelectric effect experiment
When EM radiation of enough energy strikes the cathode surface, electrons are ejected. The photoelectrons travel across to the anode which creates current, read by the ammeter. The potential difference is increased until the photoelectrons are being repelled from the anode. At a certain pd electrons wont have enough energy to reach the anode.