Quantum Phenomena Flashcards
Photoelectric effect
Emission of electrons from the surface of a material due to the exposure of the material to electromagnetic radiation
Work function
Minimum energy required for an electron to escape from the surface of the material
Threshold frequency
Minimum frequency pf photons required for photoelectrons to be emitted from the surface of a metal plate through the photoelectric effect. Equal to the metal’s work function/Planck’s constant
Stopping potential
Minimum potential difference needed to stop the highest kinetic energy electrons from leaving the metal plate in photoelectric effect
Electron diffraction
The spreading of electrons as they pass through a gap similar to the magnitude of their de Broglie wavelength. It’s evidence of the wave-like properties of particles
Energy levels
Defined and distinct energies at which electrons can exist in an atom. An electron can’t exist between energy levels
Excitation
The process of an electron taking in exactly the right quantity of energy to move to a higher energy level.
Ground State
The most stable energy level that an electron that can exist in
