The Photoelectric Effect Essay - 1436 Words

Introduction The Quantum Theory was the second of two theories which drastically changed the way we look at our physical world today, the first being Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Although both theories revolutionized the world of physics, the Quantum Theory required a period of over three decades to develop, while the Special Theory of Relativity was created in a single year. The development of the Quantum Theory began in 1887 when a German physicist, Heinrich Hertz, was testing Maxwell’s Theory of Electromagnetic Waves. Hertz discovered that ultraviolet light discharged certain electrically charged metallic plates, a phenomenon that could not be explained by Maxwell’s Wave Theory. In order to explain this phenomenon termed the†¦show more content†¦The threshold frequency varies with each metal. When the sodium plate was exposed to high frequency light, electrons were emitted and were attracted to the positive terminal, causing a flow of current. However, when a low frequency light was used no electrons were emitted and therefore there was no current. Observations of the Photoelectric Effect 1. Current flows as soon as the negative terminal is illuminated. 2. High frequency light causes electrons to be emitted from the sodium, however, a lower frequency light does not. 3. The energy of the emitted electrons does not depend upon the intensity (brightness) of the light, it is dependent on the frequency of the light. A higher frequency of light causes higher energy electrons. 4. The amount of current that flows is dependent upon the intensity (brightness) of the light. Prior to the 1900’s light was considered to be wave-like in nature. This was due to the success of Maxwell’s Electromagnetic Theory. However, much of the phenomenon observed during the photoelectric effect was in contradiction to the Wave Theory of Light. For instance, the energy contained in electromagnetic waves, and the amount of energy that would strike a sodium electron can be calculated. Such a calculation shows that an electron could indeed gain enough energy to be liberated from the sodium, but only after the sodium had beenShow MoreRelatedContents Introduction: 2 What is the photoelectric effect? 2 Origin of the photoelectric1000 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction: 2 What is the photoelectric effect? 2 Origin of the photoelectric effect: 3 5 Modern day applications of the photoelectric effect: 5 Bibliography: 6 Contributors: 6 â€Æ' On how the photoelectric effect affects our daily lives Christiaan Myburgh Elmar Roux Tijmen van der Steenhoven Introduction: The photoelectric effect has a big effect on our daily lives. It is used in several important technological devices, like solar panels and anti-burglary sensors. The effect was discovered over a longRead MoreThe Physics Of X Ray Tube2196 Words   |  9 Pageswhen it interacts with nuclei creating a nucleon fragment. There are five specific mechanism interactions between x-ray photons and matter. The coherent scattering, compton effect, photoelectric effect, pair production and phtoto distegration. Most commonly used in radiology are compton effect and photoelectric effect. Coherent Scattering the x-ray photon interacts with a whole atom and causes it to become excited. This excitation causes the atom to released an x-ray photon on equal wavelengthRead MoreSolar Energy Paper : The Sun987 Words   |  4 Pagesspread out through a large field. No matter where they are located, they all face directly straight up towards the sun to harvest the light directed onto them. Using what are called solar cells, or photovoltaic cells, they are able to use the photoelectric effect which is the ability of matter to emit electrons whenever a light is shined upon it. Sunlight is built from diminutive particles called photons that emanate from the sun. Whenever these particles bump into the atoms of the sola r cell, theyRead MoreEssay on The Duality of Light and Matter1203 Words   |  5 Pageswere used the light diffracted and as a result of super positioning the light was the most intense at the point between the two slits thereby proving light to be a wave. The opposite theory of light is observed in the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering. In the photoelectric effect light was transmitted onto a metal surface, with certain conditions the light could knock off electrons, its behavior could only be explained by considering light as a particle aka a photon. In Compton scattering theRead MoreThe Journey Of Energy : A Diagnostic Image2096 Words   |  9 Pagessurrounded by the focusing cup, depending on the technique and exposure time set by the radiographer determines what wire filament will be used during that exposure. The electrons enter the space charge surrounding the filament and the space charge effect prevents more electrons from being boiled off determined by the mill iamperage. Once the radiographer presses the rotor button the tube current electrons to travel to the anode side. The tungsten target rotates and attracts the electrons to hit theRead MoreAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Traditional Infrared Touch Laptops1827 Words   |  8 PagesAlbert Einstein in his Nobel prize winning 1905 paper (Handbook of Photoelectric Sensing, 1993). Einstein made the bold proposal that light traveled through space in concentrated bundles (Known today as protons) (Handbook of Photoelectric Sensing, 1993). Einstein also outlined how protons when striking materials liberate photoelectrons, and the energy from the photoelectrons can be used to create a small current (Handbook of Photoelectric Sensing, 1993). The property of a small current being producedRead MoreThe Physics Of Quantum Mechanics1076 Words   |  5 Pagesin the acceptance of the wave theory of light, vanquishing the corpuscular theory of light proposed by Isaac Newton, which had been the accepted model of light propagation in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the later discovery of the photoelectric effe ct demonstrated that under different circumstances, light can behave as if it is composed of discrete particles. These seemingly contradictory discoveries made it necessary to go beyond classical physics and take the quantum nature of light intoRead MoreHow the Angle of a Solar Cell Effects the Voltage Produced1451 Words   |  6 PagesHow the Angle of a Solar Cell effects the Voltage Produced Introduction: In this experiment, I will be experimenting the effect of adjusting the angle of a solar cell relative to the direction of light and the voltage produced based on the angle change. Factors: Some of the possible factors that could affect my experiment are * ------------------------------------------------- The angle of the solar cell. * ------------------------------------------------- The distance of the solarRead MoreTwo Features of the Photo-Electric Effect Essay2277 Words   |  10 PagesThe photo electric effect, which was first documented by Einstein in 1905, and posited that the energy of liberated electrons is linearly dependent on the frequency of incident photons. This paper investigates this relationship and measures Plancks constant ($4.36\pm 0.04\e{-21}$MeVs), and the work function of the photo diode ($-1.52\pm0.02$V). Another phenomena which is checked is the charging time of the stopping potential voltage. While there was some dependence between stopping voltageRead MoreA Basic Understanding Of How Solar Energy And Solar Panels Work1882 Words   |  8 Pagesthem at a quicker rate than we can produce them. Eventually, we will run out. Therefore, a contingency plan must be made, beginning with tasks such as using alternative energy sources to power our machines. This project is a means to combat the effects of pollution and consummation of fossil fuels. Task 2. Form a basic understanding of how solar panels work In order to initialize this project, it is crucial to understand how the technology we are using works. The concept of using solar energy and