Photoelectric Effect Simulation
Experimental study of electron emission from a photosensitive surface
Experimental Setup
Light Properties
Photoelectric Effect
When light of sufficient frequency (energy) strikes a metal surface (photosensitive plate), electrons are emitted. Key observations:
- Photocurrent increases with light intensity (more photons → more electrons)
- Electron energy depends on light frequency, not intensity (E = hν - Φ)
- Below a threshold frequency (ν₀ = Φ/h), no electrons are emitted regardless of intensity
K.E. of emitted electrons: E = hν - Φ