The Photoelectric Effect

The Photoelectric Effect The purpose of this experiment is to determine h/e (Plank's constant in units of electron volts), the work function F, and the threshold frequency for the photochathode surface provided . Three filters each having a distinct wavelength, were used to carry out this experiment. Utilizing these filters, 435.8 nm, 546.0 nm, and 577.0 nm, data in voltage and current was collected, as potential was selected at random points for each wavelength. This data was then …

…of light is increased, the maximum KE of the electrons increases linearly, that is KEmax = hf - F. If the frequency, f, is less than the "cutoff" frequency, fo, where hfo = F, no electrons will be emitted. These are predictions of the photon theory and are clearly different of the predictions of the wave theory that were mentioned in the introduction. These results according to the photoelectric effect are in agreement with Einstein's photon theory.