One photon supplies one electron’s energy
A photon must supply the work function before an electron can leave a metal. Any remaining energy can appear as the electron’s kinetic energy.
Follow the reasoning
- Calculate photon energy using frequency or wavelength.
- Express the work function in the same energy unit.
- Subtract the work function and check whether emission is possible.
Try it in a past paper 5
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 6
Use photon energy and work function to find photoelectron kinetic energy.
Question 12
Relate radiation intensity to the rate of photoelectric emission.
Question 8
Distinguish photon energy from the rate of photoelectron emission.
Question 23
Connect a photoelectric light meter’s current to photon arrival rate and intensity.
Show 1 more paper references
Question 8
Use threshold frequency and photoelectron energy to find the incident wavelength.
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Put the ideas to work
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Specification outcomes (5)
- 4.5.1(c) Use E = hf and E = hc / λ to calculate energy of a photon.
- 4.5.1(d) Define the electronvolt (eV) as a unit of energy.
- 4.5.2(b) Explain that photoelectric emission involves a one-to-one interaction between a photon and a surface electron.
- 4.5.2(c) Use Einstein’s photoelectric equation hf = Φ + KEmax.
- 4.5.2(d) Define work function and threshold frequency.