Photoelectric effect white light

In summary, white light with a wavelength range of 380 to 750 nm is incident on a metal with a work function of 2.46 eV. To find the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons, the energy of the photon must be calculated using the formula E = hf = hc/lambda. This results in a value of 2.65E-19. The maximum kinetic energy of the electron can then be found by subtracting the work function from the energy of the photon, giving a final value of 2.65E-19 - 2.46 = 1.9E-20 J.
  • #1
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White light (ranging in wavelengths from 380 to 750 nm) is incident on a metal with work function Wo = 2.46 eV.
(a) What is the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted from the surface?

KEmax = eV


E = hf = hc/lamda.

E = (6.626*10^-34)(3*10^8) / (750*10^-9) = 2.6504E-19

I know to get KEmax i need to do 2.35- something = 0


Thanks
 
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  • #2
Note that energy of the photon is 'inversely proportional' to wavelength, and directly proportional to frequency.

The KEmax(photoelectron) = Emax(photon) - Wo
 
  • #3
Astronuc said:
Note that energy of the photon is 'inversely proportional' to wavelength, and directly proportional to frequency.

The KEmax(photoelectron) = Emax(photon) - Wo
so i found emax which was 2.65E-19 right? so wat i would do is 2.65E-19 - 2.35?
 
  • #4
Your E_max value is the energy contained within the photon of light.
For every photon absorbed (E_max worth of energy), some amount of that energy is spent removing the electron from the metal and the rest goes into the KE of the electron.

KE_max_electron = E_max - W_o
You are given a value for W_o in terms of electronvolts (a unit of energy) and you have previously calculated the E_max value, so you should be able to calculate from here the max KE value of the electron.

1 eV = 1.602176462 E-19 Joules
 

Related to Photoelectric effect white light

1. What is the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from a material when it is exposed to light of a certain frequency or higher. This was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and was later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905 through his theory of light as particles, known as photons.

2. How does the photoelectric effect work with white light?

White light is made up of a range of frequencies, or colors, that correspond to different energies of photons. When white light is shined on a material, only the photons with enough energy to overcome the material's binding energy will cause the photoelectric effect. This means that not all colors of white light will cause the effect, only those with a high enough frequency.

3. What is the significance of the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is significant because it provided evidence for the particle nature of light and led to the development of quantum mechanics. It also has practical applications, such as in solar panels and photodetectors.

4. What factors affect the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect is affected by the intensity and frequency of the incident light, as well as the properties of the material, such as its work function and binding energy. The distance between the light source and the material can also play a role in the effect.

5. How does the photoelectric effect support the wave-particle duality of light?

The photoelectric effect supports the wave-particle duality of light by showing that light can act as both a wave and a particle. The wave nature of light is demonstrated by its frequency, which determines the energy of the photons, while the particle nature is shown by the emission of electrons when the photons interact with the material. This duality is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

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