Photoelectric Effect

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which e-s are emitted from matter after absorptions of energy from electromagnetic radiation such as X-Ray or visible light.

The emitted e-s are referred as photo-electrons.

This term is also referred as photo-conductive effect, photovoltaic effect, or the photo chemical effect.

Outcome:

(1) Rate at which e-s are ejected is directly proportional Intensity of Incident light.

(2) There exist certain minimum frequency of incident radiation, below which no photo-electrons can be emitted. This frequency is called threshold frequency.

In effect quantitatively using Einstein’s method, the following equations are used :

Energy of photons = Energy needed to remove an e- + K.E. of the emitted electron.