Explaining the Photoelectric Effect

A. Quantum Theory

1) electrons can only absorb or emit energy in discrete amounts called quanta (packets)

2) Energy of each quanta (photon) is proportional to frequency of radiation

Energy of a Quanta

June 2004 #40

Max Planck

h = Planck's constant  =6.63 X 10-34 Js

Since: c = fλ

c = 3 x 10⁸ m/s

And f = c/λ

Einstein, Photoelectric Effect