In the Photoelectric Effect, what is mean by 'threshold frequency' and how does the magnitude a photons frequency effect the electron it is absorbed by?

The threshold frequency is the minimum frequency a photon can be and still just overcome the work function (Φ) of a particular material. The threshold frequency is directly proportional to the work function and is given by f=E/h, where E is equal to Φ, f is the threshold frequency and h is Planck's constant.Providing the frequency of the photon is greater than the threshold frequency, the electron absorbing the photon will escape the material. However, if the frequency of the photon is greater than this the electron will have excess energy after escaping the surface of the material, which is present as kinetic energy, given by Ek = E - Φ (E is given by E=hf).

JH
Answered by Josh H. Physics tutor

15324 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does a negative velocity mean?


Why do I keep losing marks on 6 markers?


A student studied how a few parameters of the electromagnetic radiation affects the I-V(current-voltage) curve of photoelectricity. By increasing one parameter he saw that the saturation current has risen. Which parameter it was?


An electron of mass 9.11x10^(-31) is fired from an electron gun at 7x10^6 m/s. What size object will the electron need to interact with in order to diffract?


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