English

Photoelectric Effect - Hertz’s Observations

Advertisements

Topics

Estimated time: 5 minutes
CBSE: Class 12

Definition: Photoelectrons

It is a phenomenon where light falling on a material (usually a metal) causes it to emit electrons, generally called photoelectrons.

CBSE: Class 12

Hertz's Observations

The phenomenon of photoelectric emission was discovered in 1887 by Heinrich Hertz (1857-1894), during his electromagnetic wave experiments. In his experimental investigation of the production of electromagnetic waves by a spark discharge, Hertz observed that high-voltage sparks across the detector loop were enhanced when the emitter plate was illuminated with ultraviolet light from an arc lamp.

Light shining on the metal surface somehow facilitated the escape of free charged particles, now known as electrons. When light falls on a metal surface, some electrons near the surface absorb enough energy from the incident radiation to overcome the attraction of the positive ions in the material of the surface. After gaining sufficient energy from incident light, the electrons escape from the metal surface into the surrounding space.

CBSE: Class 12

Key Points: Photoelectric Effect - Hertz’s Observations

  • Photoelectric emission was discovered in 1887 by Heinrich Hertz.
  • Hertz made this observation during electromagnetic wave experiments.
  • High-voltage sparks across the detector loop were enhanced when the emitter plate was illuminated by ultraviolet light from an arc lamp.
  • Light shining on the metal surface facilitated the escape of free, charged particles.
  • These free, charged particles are electrons.
  • Electrons near the metal surface absorb energy from incident radiation.
  • If the absorbed energy is sufficient, electrons overcome the attraction of positive ions in the material.
  • The electrons then escape from the metal surface into the surrounding space.

Video Tutorials

We have provided more than 1 series of video tutorials for some topics to help you get a better understanding of the topic.

Series 1


Series 2


Series 3


Shaalaa.com | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Part 3

Shaalaa.com


Next video


Shaalaa.com


Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Part 3 [00:46:41]
S
Series: 1
0%


Related QuestionsVIEW ALL [33]

Advertisements
Share
Notifications

Englishहिंदीमराठी


      Forgot password?
Use app×