1. The Photoelectric Effect

2. Is light a wave?

3. Or is it a particle?

4. The photoelectric effect is best explained by treating light as a
Particle

5. Albert Einstein explained the photo- electric effect in 1905.
I was only 26
in 1905!!
Albert Einstein explained the photo- electric effect in 1905.
He won the Nobel Prize for his work in 1921.
He also published his special theory of relativity in the same year.

6. The Photoelectric effect occurs when light is shown on a metal
The Photoelectric effect occurs when light is shown on a metal. The light ejects electrons from the metal producing an electric current..

7. PHOTONS
METAL e
ELECTRONS

8. According to classical physics, high intensity light would eject electrons with greater kinetic energy. Experimental results contradicted this theory.

9. Experiments showed that the kinetic energy of the electrons depended on the frequency of the light.
Low frequency light, no matter how intense could not eject a single electron.
High frequency light with a very small intensity was able to eject electrons with a large kinetic energy

10. Experiments were done to find the relationship between the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons and the frequency of the incident light. They resulted in the following graph:

11. Slope h Fo
max kinetic energy
frequency
y intercept 

12. Written Relationship::
The kinetic energy of the ejected electron is proportional to the frequency of the incident light.

13. Slope h Fo
max kinetic energy
frequency
y intercept 

14. Mathematical Model:
Kmax = hf - 

15. Light is a particle, called a photon
Light is a particle, called a photon. Each particle has a energy that is directly proportional to the frequency of the light.
E = hf
E = Energy
h = Planck’s Constant (6.63x10-34 Js)
f = frequency of the light

16.  represents the work function of the metal.
It is the minimum energy needed to eject an electron from the metal.

17. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The Photoelectric Cell
video cameras
electric eyes
burglar alarms
night lights
solar power
video games

20. Example:
The work function for a particular metal is 3.2x10-19J. If the metal is illuminated with light of wavelength 550nm. What is the maximum speed of the emitted electrons?

21. The maximum speed is:
3.0x105m/s

22. Sample Quiz
The photoelectric effect is best explained by treating light as a ___________?
Who won the Nobel Prize for the explaining the photoelectric effect?
List two practical applications of the photo electric effect.