Photon
A quantum of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation
Formula for energy
hf
Momentum of a photon formula
P= E/c
where c is the speed of light
When a charged particle is accelerated in an electric field, its v is calculated how
by equating eV= 1/2 mv²
Photoelectric effect?
When electromagnetic radiation of threshold frequency falls on a metal surface, electrons are emitted
Threshold frequency
Minimum frequency required to release electrons from the surface of a metal
Threshold wavelength
Maximum wavelength required to release electrons from the surface of a metal
Work function
Minimum amount of energy required by an electron to escape from its metal surface
Work function formula
∅ = hfo
= Plank’s constant * threshold frequency
Rules of photoelectric effect (3)
Einstein’s photoelectric equation
Energy of a photon= Work function+ Max. Ke
hf = hfo + ½ m(vmax)2
Stopping potential
P.d which stops electrons with max. ke from reaching the anode in a photocell
Factors affecting the ke of photoelectrons are (2)
Photoelectric emission
is the release of electrons from surface of the metal when e.m radiation is incident to the surface
Intensity formula in terms of photons
Rate of arrival of electrons * energy of each photon
Why do electrons have a high range of KE values (2)
Evidence for particle theory
Photoelectric effect as light wave energy is transferred in the form of photos and interacts with other matter such as electrons
Light is a wave evidence
Light is propagated through space as a wave.
Evidence is in interference and diffraction of waves
Three suggestions of wave theory of light
Wave theory suggests;
any frequency can release electrons
This is wrong because:
Photoelectrons will be released immediately if frequency is above threshold frequency of the metal
Wave theory suggests;
Energy absorbed by electrons increases
This is wrong because:
Energy is absorbed instantaneously-
photoelectrons are either emitted or not
emitted after exposure to light.
Wave theory suggests;
KE will increase with intensity
This is wrong because:
If the intensity of light is increased more
photoelectrons are emitted per second.
When does electron diffraction occur? (2)
De broglie wavelength formula
= h/mv