Photoelectric Effect - Reflected or Absorbed?

[wavingerwin]

Hi

When a photon of insufficient energy (lower that the metal's work function) arrive on the metal's surface, what will happen?

One part of my notes says that it will be "reflected with no loss of energy", but my teacher
has recently stated that it will be absorbed and emitted back as infrared radiation/heat.

Please help :-) thanks!

 

[mikelepore]

A smooth metal surface reflects light without changing the frequency. The "backing" of a mirror is a metal coating. You can even see the reflection of your own face in a shiny spoon, etc.

A "blackbody" absorbs all of the light incident on it, and reemits energy at the same rate if the temperature remains constant, but the frequency can be changed.

 

[astrokreng]

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it is exposed to light of a certain frequency or energy. In this case, when a photon with insufficient energy hits the surface of a metal, it will not be able to eject an electron from the metal. Instead, the photon will either be reflected or absorbed by the metal.

The outcome of whether the photon is reflected or absorbed depends on the energy of the photon and the properties of the metal. If the photon has enough energy to overcome the metal's work function, it will be absorbed and an electron will be emitted from the metal. However, if the photon does not have enough energy, it will be reflected off the surface of the metal with no loss of energy.

The confusion between whether the photon is reflected or absorbed may arise because both processes can occur. In some cases, the photon may be absorbed and an electron emitted, while in other cases it may be reflected without any energy loss. This is determined by the specific conditions of the experiment and the properties of the metal.

In summary, the photoelectric effect can result in both reflection and absorption of photons depending on their energy and the properties of the metal. It is important to consider all factors when studying this phenomenon. I hope this helps clarify any confusion.