Assume that the frequency of the incident light is large enough to overcome the

Question

Assume that the frequency of the incident light is large enough to overcome the work function, i.e., the photoemission of electrons is already occurring. How does the number of photoelectrons emitted from a metal surface change with light frequency increase? Does the number of photoelectrons emitted from a metal surface depend on the light intensity? Consider two photoelectric photocells that have cathodes made from different materials. The incident light has the same frequency for both photocells. Would the stopping voltaue be the same for both photocells?

Explanation / Answer

For a given metal, there exists a certain minimum frequency of incident radiation below which no photoelectrons can be emitted. This frequency is called the threshold frequency.

So as the light frequency increses, photoelectrons also increases.

Photoelectric effect depends on frequency, not intensity. c=fL (where L is wavelength, c speed of light, f frequency), so L and f are inversely related.

Shorter wavelength=higher frequency. Energy = h*f (h is planck's constant).

Higher frequency=higher energy. The energy is transferred from the photon to the electron so lower wavelength = higher frequency = more energy to electron.

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