Einstein's theory on photoelectric effect

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a lower energy photon colliding with an excited electron and transferring all of its energy to the electron, causing it to be emitted from the material. This is known as multiphoton photoemission and is possible, but highly unlikely. Einstein's model of the photoelectric effect still holds for single-photon processes. The factors that affect this type of collision include the energy of the photon, the lifetime of the excited electron, and the probability of a photon exciting that specific electron. The Compton effect is also mentioned as a related phenomenon.
  • #1
agtee
23
0
Hey all,
can anyone answer this question??
according t einstein's theory on photoelectric effect if the photon's energy is less then the work function of the material, electron can not come out...

My question is: what happens when a lower energy(less then work function of a material) collides with electron..?
 
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  • #2
I should think that most of the time, the photon is absorbed by the electron, raising the electron to a higher energy level. (since we're talking about the photoelectric effect, I guess its right to assume that the material in question has the continuous energy bands characteristic of a solid)
 
  • #3
yaa so if lower energy photon just gives all of its energy to the electron n just befor that electron comes to its lower energy state again, another photon strikes ti electron n now its energy get higher then it should come out... is it possible?
 
  • #4
agtee said:
yaa so if lower energy photon just gives all of its energy to the electron n just befor that electron comes to its lower energy state again, another photon strikes ti electron n now its energy get higher then it should come out... is it possible?

What you are describing is called a multiphoton photoemission. It certainly is possible, and this technique has been used to study various materials properties.

However, the probability of this occurring is very small. The electron in the excited state has a very short lifetime (in metals, it is of the order of femtosecond). Furthermore, there has to be a photon that can excite that exact electron. This is why multiphoton photoemission processes are typically done with high powered laser, or at least, with optics that can provide a high photon density per unit area.

In any case, for the typical photoelectric effect, which is a single-photon photoemission process, Einstein's model is still perfectly valid.

Zz.
 
  • #5
Thanks a lot for your information... my question is solved.
 
  • #6
One more question: What made einstein state that all of the energy of the photon transfers to the electron during collision... coz there can not be head on collision?
 
  • #7
compton effect is true but i was asking what are the factors that affects this type of collision, whether it would be head on or not; complete absorption(of energy) or not?
 

Related to Einstein's theory on photoelectric effect

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which certain metals emit electrons when exposed to light of a specific frequency. This was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905.

2. What is Einstein's theory on the photoelectric effect?

Einstein's theory on the photoelectric effect states that light is made up of particles called photons, and the energy of these photons is directly proportional to their frequency. When photons strike the surface of a metal, they transfer their energy to the electrons in the metal, causing them to be emitted.

3. How did Einstein's theory on the photoelectric effect impact the understanding of light?

Einstein's theory revolutionized the understanding of light by showing that it can behave as both a wave and a particle. This concept, known as wave-particle duality, helped to explain other phenomena such as diffraction and interference.

4. What is the significance of Einstein's theory on the photoelectric effect?

Einstein's theory had a major impact on the development of quantum mechanics and solidified the idea that light has both wave and particle properties. It also provided strong evidence for the existence of photons and helped to explain the photoelectric effect, which had previously been a mystery.

5. How is Einstein's theory on the photoelectric effect applied in modern technology?

Einstein's theory on the photoelectric effect is the basis for various technologies, including solar cells, photomultiplier tubes, and photoelectric sensors. These devices use the photoelectric effect to convert light energy into electrical energy, making them crucial components in many electronic devices and renewable energy systems.

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