Emitted Electrons & Kinetic Energy

Introduction

• When electrons are emitted from a metal surface due to photoemission, they possess kinetic energy.
• The amount of kinetic energy that an emitted electron carries is determined by the energy of the incident photon and the work function of the metal.

Kinetic Energy Equation

• The kinetic energy (K.E.) of the emitted electron can be calculated using the following equation:
• K.E. = Energy of Photon - Work Function of Metal
  • K.E. represents the kinetic energy of the electron.
  • Energy of Photon is the energy of the incident photon.
  • Work Function of Metal is the minimum energy required to remove an electron from the metal's surface.

Alternative Form of the Equation

• The kinetic energy equation can also be expressed as:
• K.E. = hν - Φ
• Where:
  • h is Planck's constant.
  • ν is the frequency of the incident light (photon).
  • Φ is the work function of the metal.

Key Takeaways

• Emitted electrons possess kinetic energy when they are ejected from a metal surface.
• The kinetic energy is determined by the energy of the incident photon and the work function of the metal.
• The kinetic energy equation is K.E. = Energy of Photon - Work Function of Metal or K.E. = hν - Φ.
• Understanding this relationship helps explain the principles of photoemission.

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Emitted Electrons & Kinetic Energy

Physics

Summary

• Emitted electrons have kinetic energy, which is calculated using the kinetic energy equation.
• The equation involves the energy of the incident photon and the work function of the metal.
• The relationship between these factors is crucial in understanding the physics of photoemission.