why does photoelectric emission occur only when there is a certain threshold frequency of incident radiation?

According to the particle theory of light, hf=φ+KEmax, so along with the minimum amount of energy required, there is a minimum frequency as well, φ= hfo. Thus, the incident photon must have a frequency higher than fo for photoelectric emmision to occur.

NP
Answered by Nikolas P. Physics tutor

3354 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

The energy of a photon is 1.5MeV. Calculate the frequency associated with this photon energy and state an appropriate unit in your answer.


What is the minimum height of a hill, so a ball of mass m falling from it can go through a loop of radius R?


How would I derive Kepler's third law from Newton's law of gravitation and the equations of circular motion?


A cable with a diameter of 6mm is used to lift crate. Calculate the mass of the crate required to create a stress of 350 MPa.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning