Number of photons in photoelectric effect

In summary, the intensity of light can affect the number of photons, with a maximum of one photoelectron for each arriving photon. However, this equivalence is only statistically significant with large numbers, as there is a fluctuation known as "Shot Noise" that can affect the number of photons per second.
  • #1
cbram
6
0
Does the intensity of light mean increase no. of photons?
 
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  • #2
cbram said:
Does the intensity of light mean increase no. of photons?
For a given frequency of photons it does. A maximum of one photoelectron for each arriving photon.
 
  • #3
Then for instance if the light carries 21 photons per second then the next second also should carry the same amount of photons
 
  • #4
cbram said:
Then for instance if the light carries 21 photons per second then the next second also should carry the same amount of photons


The equivalence is only there for statistically large numbers. You would not get 21 every second.
 
  • #5
Thanks for the information
 
  • #6
cbram said:
Then for instance if the light carries 21 photons per second then the next second also should carry the same amount of photons

Oh, if only! The statistical fluctuation in photons per unit of time is known as "Shot Noise" and is a major source of noise in photometry, astrophotography, and other areas.
 

Related to Number of photons in photoelectric effect

1. How does the number of photons affect the photoelectric effect?

The number of photons in the incident light determines the number of electrons that will be ejected from the metal surface in the photoelectric effect. The more photons that hit the surface, the more electrons will be emitted.

2. Can the number of photons be manipulated to control the photoelectric effect?

Yes, the number of photons can be controlled by changing the intensity of the incident light or by using filters to limit the wavelength of the light. This can affect the energy of the ejected electrons and the overall outcome of the photoelectric effect.

3. Is there a minimum number of photons required for the photoelectric effect to occur?

Yes, there is a minimum threshold frequency or energy required for the photoelectric effect to occur. This is determined by the work function of the metal, which is the minimum energy required to eject an electron from its surface. If the incident light does not have enough energy, the photoelectric effect will not occur.

4. How does the number of photons relate to the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons?

The number of photons is directly proportional to the kinetic energy of the ejected electrons in the photoelectric effect. This means that increasing the number of photons will result in an increase in the kinetic energy of the electrons, as long as the frequency of the light remains above the threshold frequency.

5. Can the number of photons be used to explain the wave-particle duality of light in the photoelectric effect?

Yes, the concept of the number of photons helps to explain the wave-particle duality of light in the photoelectric effect. On one hand, light behaves as a wave and its energy is dependent on its frequency. On the other hand, it also behaves as a particle, with each photon carrying a specific amount of energy. The number of photons can be used to calculate the total energy of the incident light and its effect on the ejected electrons.

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