Quantum Physics Flashcards
Define the work function
The work function of a material is defined as the minimum amount of work necessary to remove a free electron from the surface of the material.
Define the threshold frequency
Threshold frequency is the minimum frequency of an incident radiation required to just remove an electron from the surface of a metal.
Define the photoelectron
Photoelectron is used to indicate that the electron has been emitted when light falls on the surface of a metal.
Define the photon
Packet/quantum/discrete amount of energy of electromagnetic radiation having energy equal to Planck constant × frequency
What is the relationship between work function and threshold frequency?
∅ = hf₀
How can the threshold p.d. of an LED be used to find photon energy?
The energy transferred by the electrons (e x V) is equal to the energy of the photons produced (hf).
What is required for a photon to be able to produce photoelectrons? (Frequency description)
Its frequency is greater than the threshold frequency
What is required for a photon to be able to produce photoelectrons? (energy description)
Its energy is greater than the work function
How do photons and electrons interact?
A single photon can be absorbed/emitted by a single electron which gains/loses the energy of the photon.
What effect does increasing the frequency of a monochromatic light source have on photoelectrons produced?
Photoelectrons will have a greater maximum kinetic energy.
What is the effect of increasing the intensity of a monochromatic light source on photoelectrons produced?
More photoelectrons will be produced but they will have the same maximum kinetic energy
Why does the kinetic energy of photoelectrons from monochromatic light vary in the photoelectric effect?
The work function is a minimum energy. Some electrons are liberated from deeper into the metal and require more energy to be liberated
What two factors that determine the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons?
The frequency of the light and the work function of the metal
What determines the rate at which energy is delivered by a wave?
Intensity/amplitude of the wave
What is hf in Einstein’s photoelectric effect equation (hf = 𝜙 + KE(max))
The energy of the incident photon