Photoelectric Effect
Explore the quantum nature of light and electrons
Physics Parameters
Photon Energy (E):3.10 eVWork Function (Φ):2.36 eVMax KE (Kₘₐₓ):0.74 eVStopping Potential (Vₛ):0.74 V
Ammeter Reading
0.00 μA
Controls
Minimum energy required to eject an electron.
Wavelength (λ)400 nm
UVVisibleIR
Controls photon energy (E = hc/λ). Shorter λ = Higher Energy.
Intensity50%
Number of photons per second. Affects current (saturation level).
Voltage (V)0 V
Retarding (-5V)Accelerating (+5V)
Accelerates or retards emitted electrons.
Einstein's Equation
E = Φ + Kₘₐₓ
Photon Energy:E = hf = hc/λ
Work Function:Φ (Metal Property)
Max Kinetic Energy:Kₘₐₓ = eVₛ
What's happening?
Photons of light strike the metal cathode. If their energy (3.10 eV) is greater than the metal's work function (2.36 eV), electrons are emitted.
✅ Photoelectric effect is occurring. Electrons have max KE of 0.74 eV.