Episode 8 — Matter & Materials - Optical Phenomena

Photoelectric Effect Continued

Learners will be able to:

• Describe the photoelectric effect and its role in removing electrons from a substance's surface. • Identify the work function as the energy used up in freeing an electron and explain how it relates to the threshold frequency of light. • Calculate the energy of photons using Einstein's equation, given the wavelength of light and Planck's constant. • Determine the type of light (e.g. ultraviolet) shining on a substance based on its wavelength. • Solve for the kinetic energy of an electron in the photoelectric effect using Einstein's equation and given values for work function and photon energy. • Interpret graphs showing the relationship between kinetic energy and frequency of light, identifying threshold frequencies and work functions for different metals.