Question

Write Einstein’s photoelectric equation.

Hint:

Einstein’s photoelectric equation explains that the energy of an ejected electron depends on the frequency of the incident light and the work function of the material.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the concept.
Einstein’s photoelectric equation describes the relationship between the energy of the incident photons and the energy required to eject an electron from a material in the photoelectric effect. It incorporates the work function of the material (the minimum energy required to remove an electron) and the energy of the incident photon.
Step 2: Einstein’s photoelectric equation.
The equation is given by: \[ E_k = h\nu - \phi \] where: - \( E_k \) is the kinetic energy of the ejected electron, - \( h \) is Planck’s constant (\( h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{J} \cdot \text{s} \)), - \( \nu \) is the frequency of the incident light, - \( \phi \) is the work function of the material. This equation shows that the kinetic energy of the ejected electron is the difference between the energy of the incident photon and the work function of the material. If the energy of the photon is less than the work function, no electron will be ejected.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Einstein’s photoelectric equation is crucial in understanding the behavior of electrons when exposed to light and forms the foundation of quantum theory for explaining the photoelectric effect.