Chapter 10: Problem 10

Can you think of a reason why metals exhibit the photoelectric effect most easily? (Hint: Do you see any connection between this phenomenon and the properties of a good electrical or thermal conductor?)

Short Answer

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Answer: Metals exhibit the photoelectric effect most easily because of their abundance of freely moving electrons and lower energy barrier for emission, known as the work function. Their atomic structure, containing a "sea" of delocalized electrons, allows them to effectively absorb energy from incoming photons and easily emit electrons from their surface.

Step by step solution

Understand the Photoelectric Effect

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon that occurs when light (or photons) hits a material and causes electrons to be emitted from the surface. The energy of the incoming light must be greater than the work function of the material for the photoelectric effect to occur. The work function is the minimum energy needed to liberate an electron from the material, and it depends on the properties of the material. 2.

Characteristics of Metals

Metals are generally characterized by their ability to conduct electricity and heat effectively. This is mainly due to their atomic structure, containing positively charged ions surrounded by a "sea" of electrons that are free to move within the metal lattice. These delocalized electrons are responsible for both electrical and thermal conductivity in metals. 3.

Connection between Photoelectric Effect and Conductivity

Since metals contain delocalized electrons, they have a relatively low work function compared to non-metals. This means that the energy required to liberate an electron from a metal is lower, making it easier for the photoelectric effect to occur. When light with sufficient energy strikes a metal surface, the delocalized electrons can absorb the energy from the photons, overcoming the work function and causing the emission of electrons. By connecting the low work function and high conductivity properties of metals, we can conclude that metals exhibit the photoelectric effect most easily because of their abundance of freely moving electrons and lower energy barrier for emission.

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Can you think of a reason why metals exhibit the photoelectric effect most easily? (Hint: Do you see any connection between this phenomenon and the properties of a good electrical or thermal conductor?)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Photoelectric Effect

Characteristics of Metals

Connection between Photoelectric Effect and Conductivity

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