What is the photoelectric effect ? (high school physics)

The photoelectric effect is a physical phenomenon at the heart of many recent technologies like solar energy production using photovoltaic panels and digital cameras.

In this video, we will look into how it works: a photon is absorbed by an electron at the surface of a material. If the photon is energetic enough, it can provide the electron with enough kinetic energy to escape from the material.

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MUSIC ALBUM
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Physics Made Easy « The soundtracks ». Listen here :
https://edouardreny.bandcamp.com/
If you like it, purchase a download (this would encourage me sooo much!)

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DETAILED CONTENT OF THE VIDEO
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In the introduction, we will realize that a photon is a quanta of energy that can be determined by multiplying Planck’s constant with the frequency associated with the photon.

In the first section, we will discuss how the photoelectric effect occurs and present Einstein’s equation for photoelectricity. KEmax = Eph – PHY. It will be the opportunity to discuss the concept of work function of a material.

The second section will go a little deeper by defining what the ‘max’ subscript in the photoelectric equation means. We will learn why the electrons emitted do not all have the same kinetic energy.

Finally, the conclusion will summarize the notions discussed and open the door to new explorations. For example, how to determine experimentally the work function of a material, or more fundamentally, how to use a photoelectric set up to determine experimentally the value of Planck’s constant.

Enjoy !

#electricity #physics #quantumphysics

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STRUCTURE OF THE VIDEO
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00:00 Introduction.
00:38 What is a photon?
01:09 The photoelectric effect.
02:20 Definition of a work function.
03:02 Einstein’s photoelectric equation: why KEmax?
04:28 The photoelectric effect: conclusion.
05:09 Kinetic energy distribution of photoelectrons.
06:00 Support Physics Made Easy!

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CREDITS:
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The script, the illustrations, the music and the video were produced and presented by Edouard Reny, Ph.D. in solid state chemistry and private tutor in Physical Sciences.

The image of the circuit board of a smartphone (in the intro):
Intel Free Press, CC BY 2.0 - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... - (via Wikimedia Commons)

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DO YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS?
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Edouard provides one-on-one private tuition in Physics (face to face or by Skype). If you wish to know more about this, or contact Edouard, visit his website: https://www.physics-tutor.nl/ or this one (for French speakers: https://www.profdephysique.fr/).