Contents
1. Objective
2. Aim
3. Apparatus Required
4. Theory
5. Procedure
6. Observation Table
7. Some Additional Procedures
8. Results
9. Applications of Photoelectric Effect
10. Some Graphs on Photoelectric effect
11. Conclusion
12. Bibliography
1. Objective:
To study the photoelectric effect and relationship between the frequency
and intensity of light and the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons
To measure the threshold frequency for different metals
To investigate the impact of light intensity on the number of emitted
electrons
To explore the significance of frequency in determining the energy of
emitted electrons
[Link]:
To verify Einstein’s Photoelectric equation:
K.E. = hf − ϕ (or) eV = hν − ϕ
[Link] Required:
Photoelectric Tube
Variable frequency light source (e.g. Laser or LED)
Voltmeter
Ammeter
Variable DC power supply
Monochromatic filters
Optical bench/dark room setup
4. Theory:
The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon where electrons are ejected from
the surface of a metal when light of a certain frequency or higher strikes it.
This phenomenon provides critical evidence for the quantum theory of
light.
The *Photoelectric effect* was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887,
but it was Albert Einstein in 1905 who provided the theoretical explanation,
for which he won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. This effect
demonstrates the particle-like behavior of light, challenging the classical
wave theory.
When light of frequency greater than or equal to the threshold frequency
strikes the surface of a metal, electrons are ejected.
The energy of the ejected electrons depends on the frequency of the
incident light, not its intensity.
Einstein explained the phenomenon by proposing that:
Light is made of photons and each photon has energy E = hν and the
electrons are only emitted if hν ≥ ϕ (The work function of the metal)
Increasing the frequency of the incident light will increase the kinetic
energy (or) stopping potential of photoelectron in a linear fashion ,
independent of the light’s intensity
The relationship is given by the formula: E = hf
E = Energy of photon (in joules)
h= Planck’s constant (6.626× 10** -34 J/s)
f = Frequency of the incident light (in Hertz)
Each photon interacts with a single electron. If the energy of the photon is
greater than the work function ϕ of the material, the electron is ejected
with kinetic energy K.E. :
K.E. (max) = hf − ϕ
5. Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus:
Connect the circuit as shown in the diagram given below
2. Direct monochromatic light of known frequency onto the metal surface.
3. Gradually increase the opposing voltage until the photocurrent drops to zero.
This voltage is called as the stopping potential V
4. Record the values of frequency and stopping potential
5 .Repeat for different light frequencies.
6. Plot the graph of V vs ν (light frequency)
7. Determine the Planck’s constant and threshold frequency
6. Observation Table:
Frequency (*10**14 Hz) Wavelength (nm) Stopping Potential (V)
4.3 700 0.1
5.0 600 0.6
5.5 550 1.0
6.0 500 1.4
6.5 460 1.9
Calculation:
K.E. (max) = eV and eV = hf – ϕ : combining the two equations
V = h/e* f – ϕ/e (e = 1.602* 10** -19 C (coulomb) )
Slope = change in voltage /change in frequency (respective)
By calculating the slope from the graph( h/e ):
We get h = 6.626 * 10** -34
7. Some Additional Procedures :
1. Preparation of apparatus ;
Set up the photoelectric cell with the metal surface inside it. Connect the anode to
the ammeter and the cathode to the negative side of the power supply.
Place a variable frequency light source in front of the photoelectric cell. The
light intensity can be controlled by adjusting the distance of the light source or
using a filter
2. Threshold Frequency Observation :
Shine light of varying frequencies (use filters or light sources with different
wavelengths) onto the metal surface.
Measure the current produced (which corresponds to the number of emitted
electrons). Note the frequency at which current starts to flow (this is the threshold
frequency).
[Link] of Kinetic energy of ejected electrons :
Apply a stopping potential (a reverse voltage) to prevent electrons from reaching
the anode.
Gradually increase the stopping potential until the current stops completely. The
voltage at which this happens corresponds to the maximum kinetic energy of the
emitted electrons.
4. Intensity Variation :
Vary the intensity of the incident light while keeping the frequency constant.
Observe the change in the number of emitted electrons, which is proportional to
the intensity of light (not the energy of individual electrons).
5. Frequency Variation :
Vary the frequency of the incident light while keeping the intensity constant.
Observe the kinetic energy of emitted electrons and verify that it depends on
frequency.
8. Results:
Threshold Frequency; The frequency below which no electrons are
emitted, confirming the quantum nature of the photoelectric effect.
Kinetic Energy and Frequency : The kinetic energy of the emitted
electrons increases with the frequency of the incident light, supporting the
equation :
K.E. (max) = hf – ϕ
Intensity and Number of Electrons : The number of emitted electrons
increases with the intensity of light, but their kinetic energy remains
constant as long as the frequency is constant.
9. Applications of Photoelectric effect :
Solar Cells: The photoelectric effect is used to generate electricity in solar
panels by converting light into electrical energy.
Photomultiplier Tubes: Used in scientific instruments to detect very low
levels of light.
Automatic Light Sensors: Utilized in devices like light meters and
cameras.
10. Some Graphs about Photoelectric effect:
11. Conclusion :
The experimental results validate the theoretical explanation of the
photoelectric effect, where the kinetic energy of emitted electrons is directly
proportional to the frequency of the incident light and independent of its
intensity.
The photoelectric effect provides significant evidence for the quantum
nature of light, where light can be considered as photons with discrete
energy packets.
12. Bibliography:
H.C. Verma, "Concepts of Physics" (Volume 1 & 2)
D.C. Pandey, "Understanding Physics for JEE"
"Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker
