Describe the photoelectric effect.

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenom which occurs when photons strike a metal causing electrons to be released from the metal atoms. This occurs because the photons transfer their energy to the electrons in the atom's causing them to get enough energy to escape their energy shells.

IW
Answered by Iman W. Physics tutor

3965 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a transverse and a longitudinal wave?


A boy kicks a ball and it is accelerated uniformly from rest so that after 10 seconds it has achieved a speed of 15m/s. Find the ball's acceleration.


What is the name given to waves where the oscillations are in the same direction as the wave energy?


On a day with no wind, a large object is dropped from a tall building. The object experiences air resistance during its fall to the ground. State and explain, in terms of the forces acting, how the acceleration of the object varies during its fall.


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