how did the photoelectric effect prove that light had particle properties?

Expert Solution

The photoelectric effect supports a particle theory of light in that it behaves like an elastic collision (one that conserves mechanical energy) between two particles, the photon of light and the electron of the metal.

If you shine light on a metal of any intensity with energy below the binding energy of an electron, no electrons from the metal will be ejected. As soon as the frequency of light is high enough such that the energy exceeds the binding energy, the electron from the metal can be knocked off the metal.

If the energy of the photon that hits the metal is hν, then energy will be conserved in the collision so that

hν=BE+KEelectron

The energy before the collision is hν. The minimum amount of energy needed to eject the electron is the binding energy, BE. However much hν exceeds the binding energy will be the kinetic energy KE of the ejected electron.

Conservation of energy in collisions is particle like behavior and thus the photoelectric effect supports light's particle like behavior.

queen_honey_blossom answered 2 years ago

It is said that the photoelectric e?ect demonstrates the particle-like nature of light. Explain how this...

It is said that the photoelectric e?ect demonstrates the particle-like nature of light. Explain how this conclusion is reached. That is, what experimental evidence is consistent with particle-like behavior for light but not with wave-like behaviour? Cite at least two pieces of evidence. (b) Electrons with a speed of 2.0?106 ms1 pass through a double-slit apparatus. A detector measures interference fringes with a fringe spacing of 1.5 mm. (i) What will the fringe spacing be if the electrons are replaced...

In an experiment on the photoelectric effect, a beam of monochromatic light is aimed at a...

In an experiment on the photoelectric effect, a beam of monochromatic light is aimed at a nickel-plated cathode. A scientist uses mathematical formulas to calculate the maximum speed of the electrons that the cathode releases. Which constant most limits the precision of the calculation? the charge of one electron the mass of an electron the work function of nickel Planck’s constant Which example illustrates a behavior called “photoconductivity”? A metallic film conducts electricity when an electric potential is applied across...

The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons from the surface of a conductor when light...

The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons from the surface of a conductor when light strikes it. Several important features of the photoelectric effect cannot be explained by the classical theory of electromagnetic waves. Briefly explain this phenomenon in terms of intensity, frequency, kinetic energy, and the number of photoelectrons.

Einstein did not try to reconcile the wave and particle theories of light, and did not...

Einstein did not try to reconcile the wave and particle theories of light, and did not say much about their apparent inconsistency. Einstein basically visualized a beam of light as a stream of bullets coming from a machine gun. In the photoelectric effect, a photon

Photoelectric effect:a) In the wave picture of light, what determines the following properties? i. Color of...

Photoelectric effect:a) In the wave picture of light, what determines the following properties? i. Color of the light ii. Brightness/intensity of the light iii. Energy of the light b) In the photon picture of light, what determines the following properties? i. Color of the light ii. Brightness/intensity of the light iii. Energy of the light

How does the Doppler Effect prove that light travels at a constant speed and is not...

How does the Doppler Effect prove that light travels at a constant speed and is not affected by vector addition or by an object moving to and fro? Please give a very detailed reason. Thank you.

A student was performing an experiment to demonstrate the photoelectric effect. When the student shined light...

A student was performing an experiment to demonstrate the photoelectric effect. When the student shined light from the source on the metal surface, no electrons were ejected. Which of the following could explain the observed result? Select one: a. The light intensity was insufficient. b. The energy of the light was too high. c. The frequency of the light was too low. d. The wavelength of the light was too short.

The Photoelectric Effect Lab 10 Prelab Questions : Predictions If the light shining on the metal...

The Photoelectric Effect Lab 10 Prelab Questions : Predictions If the light shining on the metal becomes brighter, will the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons increase? If the light shining on the metal becomes brighter, will the number of electrons being emitted per second (the photo-current) increase? If the frequency of the light shining on the metal is increased, will the number of electrons being emitted per second (the photo-current) increase? If the frequency of the light shining on...

Explain the photoelectric effect. Write the Einstein’s equation for the photoelectric effect and name all the...

Explain the photoelectric effect. Write the Einstein’s equation for the photoelectric effect and name all the terms of the equation.

In the photoelectric effect experiment, a light photon with a wavelength λ=525 nm hits a metallic...

In the photoelectric effect experiment, a light photon with a wavelength λ=525 nm hits a metallic cesium (work function = 3.43 ×10−34 J).\ What is the kinetic energy of the photoelectron produced?

Question