Photoelectric effect
Aim:
1. To understand the phenomenon Photoelectric effect as a whole.
2. To draw kinetic energy of photoelectrons as a function of frequency of incident radiation.
3. To determine the Planck's constant from kinetic energy versus frequency graph.
4. To plot a graph connecting photocurrent and applied potential.
5. To determine the stopping potential from the photocurrent versus applied potential graph.
Theory:
During his experiments on electromagnetic radiation (to demonstrate light consists of e-m waves),
Hertz noticed a spark between the two metallic balls when a high frequency radiation incident on it.
This is called photoelectric effect. Photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons when
electromagnetic radiations having sufficient frequency incident on certain metal surfaces. We call the
emitted electrons as photoelectrons and the current they constitute as photocurrent. The phenomenon
was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1880 and explained by Albert Einstein in 1905 using Max
Planck's quantum theory of light. As the first experiment which demonstrated the quantum theory of
energy levels, photoelectric effect experiment is of great historical importance.
The important observations on Photoelectric effect which demand
quantum theory for its explanation are:
1. The Photoelectric effect is an instantaneous phenomenon. There is no time delay between the
incidence of light and emission of photoelectrons.
2. The number of photoelectrons emitted is proportional to the intensity of incident light. Also, the
energy of emitted photoelectrons is independent of the intensity of incident light.
3. The energy of emitted photoelectrons is directly proportional to the frequency of incident light.
The basic experimental set up which explains Photoelectric effect is as given below,
It has been observed that there must be a minimum
energy needed for electrons to
escape from a particular metal surface and is called work
function 'W' for that
metal. The work function can be expressed in terms of
frequency as,
Where h is the Planck's constant and
is the threshold frequency (minimum frequency for
photoelectric effect).
The work function for some metals are listed in the table.
According to Einstein the Photoelectric effect should obey the equation,
From the above expression,
Which says the graph connecting the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons 'KEmax' and frequency
of incident radiation' 'will be a straight line with slope and Y-intercept = workfunction.
Graph connecting 'KEmax' and frequency:
Maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons versus frequency of incident radiation graph
Now, if we increase the reverse potential, the photocurrent gradually decreases and becomes zero at a
particular reverse potential. This minimum applied reverse potential is called stopping potential V0.
Hence the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons can be written as,
Graph connecting photocurrent and applied
reverse potential :
For constant intensity and different frequencies
For constant frequency and different intensities
For performing the simulation:
1. Select the material for studying photoelectric effect.
2. Select area of the material,wave-length,intensity of incident light.
3. Switch on the light source.
4. Measure the reverse current for various reverse voltages.
5. Plot the current-voltage graph and determine the threshold voltage.
6. Repeat the experiment by varying the intensity for a particular wavelength of incident light.
7. Repeat the experiment by varying the wavelength for a particular intensity of the incident light .
1) When UV light incident on a Zinc metal surface, few electrons are emitted. The phenomenon
called
2) The phenomenon 'Photoelectric effect' was first observed by Heinrich Hertz. The man who gave
correct explanation for the same was
3) The fundamental theory which could explain Photoelectric effect is
4) Which among the following is true in the case of Photoelectric effect
5) In the experimental set up for Photoelectric effect, photo-current becomes zero when the ap
voltage reaches
1. Determine the minimum frequency required to have Photoelectric effect for an EM radiation, when
incident on a zinc metal surface.
2. Determine the target material if the threshold frequency of EM radiaion is 5.5x10 15 Hz in a particular
photoelectric experimental set up.
3. Determine the maximum kinetic energy of photo-electrons emitted from a Zinc metal surface, if the
incident frequency is 3x1015Hz.
4. What sould be the stopping potential for photoelectrons if the target material used is Platinum and
incident frequency is 2x1015Hz?
5. What should be the minimum applied potential for complete stoppage of photocurrent in an
experimental if the target material is copper and the incident frequency is 2.7x1015 Hz.
Bibliography:
1. Concepts of Modern physics by Sir Arthur Beiser.
2. Basics of Quantum mechanics by Ajoy Ghatak and [Link].
3. Willett, Edward. The basics of quantum physics : understanding the photoelectric effect and line
spectra. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 2005.
4. Vandome, John. Photoelectric effect. S.l: Vdm Publishing House, 2009.
5. Serway, Raymond. College physics. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, 2009.
Webliography:
1. [Link]/physicsXII_17a.htm
2. [Link]/wiki/Photoelectric_effect
3. [Link]
4. [Link]
