CHAPTER 2.

CHAPTER 2.4: The Photoelectric Effect

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

a) Define photoelectric effect.

b) Determine and explain the process of photoelectric effect or how it
occur.
c) Cite specific applications and importance of photoelectric effect.

Photo (light) + electric

 A photoelectric effect is any effect in which light energy is

converted to electricity.
 First explained by Albert Einstein in 1905

 When light strikes certain light-sensitive materials… It may cause

them to give up electrons.

When light strikes certain light-sensitive materials, it may cause

them to give up electrons.

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 CHAPTER 2.4

Photoelectric Effect
 When red light hits the metal foil, the foil does not emit (give off)
electrons.
 Blue light has more energy than red light.

 How could we get more energy into the red light?

 Try increasing the brightness (intensity).

Comparing high and low frequency

 High FREQUENCY light even from a dim source can eject electrons
from a photosensitive metal

 Low Frequency light, even very bright (very intense) cannot

dislodge electrons

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 CHAPTER 2.4

 Light, like all other radiation, is made up of small particles called

photons.
 The higher the frequency, the more energy the photons have.
 Einstein stated that light interacts with matter as a stream of
particle-like photons.
 Einstein received the Nobel Prize for this discovery.

 If a photon hits an atom of a certain material, it may be absorbed

by an electron of that material.
 However, if the photon has enough energy, the electron is ejected,
or emitted, from the atom.
 In this way, light energy changes into electrical energy.
 If wires are attached to a photoemittive material, the electrons can
flow along the wires, forming an electric current.

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 CHAPTER 2.4

WHY IS THE PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT SO IMPORTANT?

 It helped explain the particle nature of light.

 It is the basis of the quantum theory.
 It is used in photocells e.g. in solar calculators, alarms, automatic
garage door openers, flash of a camera

Reference:

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024, June 19). Photoelectric effect |

Definition, Examples, & Applications. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/photoelectric-effect

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