Kinetic Energy of the Photoelectron

K.E. of Photoelectron
Was Determined By:

a) frequency of light (color)

photoelectric.mov

Rutgers University

| Flash |

The white light was unable to discharge the electroscope  (eject the electrons) but the ultraviolet light could. Why???

The ultraviolet light had a higher frequency ....

... a higher energy.

b) nature of emitting metal

Typical Plot of Frequency of
Light vs. K.E. of Photoelectron

KE of Photoelectron

f_o - Threshold Frequency - frequency below which no photoelectrons will be emitted

Below Threshold?

No Emission

 Above Threshold?

 Emission

Summary of
Photoelectric Effect