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Chapter 6: Problem 13

Speculate how increasing the temperature of a photoelectrode affects the outcomes of the photoelectric effect experiment.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Increasing the temperature of a photoelectrode may result in a decrease in the threshold for the incident light's energy needed to be above the material's work function, as more electrons within the material already possess energy above the work function. This could potentially increase the number of emitted electrons, as it becomes easier for them to be ejected when the incident light interacts with them. However, the outcomes can depend on factors such as the type of material used, the intensity of the incident light, and the specific experimental setup.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Photoelectric Effect

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which electrons are ejected from a material, usually a metal or semiconductor, when it is exposed to light. When light of a specific frequency or energy is incident on a material, its photons can transfer energy to the electrons within the material, and if the transferred energy is above the material's work function (the minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface), the electrons can escape. The incident light's energy must be equal to or greater than the work function to eject electrons from the surface; otherwise, no electrons will be emitted.
02

Factors Influencing the Photoelectric Effect

The key factors that influence the photoelectrode are: 1. Intensity of the incident light: Increased intensity means more photons per unit area, potentially resulting in more emitted electrons if the light's energy is greater than the work function. 2. Frequency (or energy) of the incident light: The frequency (hence the energy) of the incident light must be equal to or greater than the work function of the material. Energies below the work function will not cause electron ejection. 3. The work function of the material: Metals and semiconductors have different work functions, which determine the minimum energy required to eject an electron from their surfaces.
03

Considering the Effect of Temperature

As the temperature of a photoelectrode increases, the kinetic energy of the electrons within the material will also increase, causing them to move faster. With higher temperatures, a greater portion of the electrons in the material will possess energy above the work function, potentially making it easier for these electrons to be ejected upon light absorption.
04

Speculating the Outcomes of a Photoelectric Effect Experiment

As the temperature of the photoelectrode increases, we can speculate that: 1. The threshold for the incident light's energy needed to be above the material's work function may decrease, as more electrons within the material already possess energy above the work function. 2. The number of emitted electrons could potentially increase, given that more electrons have energy above the work function, making it easier for them to be ejected when the incident light interacts with them. However, it is important to note that these outcomes can depend on various factors such as the type of material used, the intensity of the incident light, and the specific experimental setup.

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