Created By : awnish

Reviewed By : Rajashekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : Apr 10, 2023


Use the free Photoelectric Effect Calculator to find the kinetic energy of ejected electrons. All you need to do is provide incident light frequency, threshold frequency and press the calculate button to avail the result in a fraction of seconds.

Choose a Calculation
Frequency:
Threshold frequency:

Steps to Find Kinetic Energy

The following are the detailed steps on how to calculate the photoelectric effect. Go through these steps and follow to obtain the result.

  • Make a note of the incident light frequency and threshold frequency.
  • Subtract the frequency of the incident photon from the threshold frequency.
  • Multiply it with the planck constant to check the kinetic energy of electrons.

Photoelectric Effect Definition & Formula

When incident light falls on a metal surface, then it emits electrons which are called photoelectrons and the process is called the photoelectric effect. The emission of photoelectrons and kinetic energy depends on the light frequency that is incident on it.

The formula to calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is KE = h(f - f0)

f = (KE/h) + f0

f0 = h(f - KE)

Where,

KE is the maximum kinetic energy

f is the frequency of the incident light

f0 is the threshold frequency of the surface

h is the placks constant and its value is 6.626 x 10-34 Js

Threshold frequency is defined as the minimum frequency of incident radiation below which the photoelectric emission is not possible.

Example

Question: In a photoelectric effect experiment, the threshold frequency is 150 Hz and incident light frequency is 180 Hz. Find the maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons.

Solution:

Given that

Threshold frequency f0 = 150 Hz

Incident light frequency f = 180 Hz

Maximum kinetic energy of emitted electrons is KE = h(f - f0)

KE = 6.626 x 10-34(180 - 150)

= 6.626 x 10-34 (30)

= 187.8x 10-34

Therefore, the kinetic energy is 187.7 x 10-34 eV.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Photoelectric Effect Calculator

1. What are the conditions for the photoelectric effect?

The three important conditions of the photoelectric effect are along the lines.

  • If the frequency = threshold frequency, then photoelectrons are ejected from the surface. So, the kinetic energy of the electron is zero.
  • If frequency < threshold frequency, then no ejection of photoelectron so, no photoelectric effect.
  • If frequency > threshold frequency, then photoelectrons are released along with the kinetic energy.

2. Define the photoelectric effect?

The process of metals emitting electrons when are exposed to the light of appropriate frequency is called the photoelectric effect and released electrons are photoelectrons.


3. What are the factors affecting the photoelectric effect?

The various factors affecting the photoelectric effect are the frequency and intensity of incident radiation and the potential difference between metal plates and collectors.


4. What are the applications of the photoelectric effect?

The photoelectric effect can be used to generate electricity in solar panels. It is used in motion and position sensors, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photoelectric cells are used in burglar alarms. Digital cameras will use photoelectric sensors to record and detect light.