Photoelectric Effect Simulator
Shine light on a metal surface and observe electron emission. Explore how wavelength, intensity, and material affect the photoelectric effect — a cornerstone of quantum physics.
Light & Material
Properties
| Wavelength | 300 nm |
| Frequency | -- |
| Photon Energy | -- |
| Material | Cesium |
| Work Function | 2.1 eV |
| Threshold f | -- |
| Threshold λ | -- |
| Max KE | -- |
| Stopping V | 0 V |
| Emitted? | -- |
The Physics Behind It
Photoelectric Equations
- Photon energy: E = hf = hc/λ
- Max kinetic energy: KEₘₐₓ = hf − φ
- Threshold frequency: f₀ = φ/h
- Stopping voltage: eVₛ = KEₘₐₓ
- h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s
Key Concepts
- Photons are discrete packets of light energy; each carries energy E = hf
- Work function (φ) is the minimum energy needed to free an electron from the metal surface
- Intensity affects count of emitted electrons, not their maximum kinetic energy
- Below threshold frequency, no electrons are emitted regardless of intensity — this proved light's particle nature
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