In the photoelectric effect, photons with energy greater than the work function (ϕ) of a metal eject photoelectrons, generating a measurable electric current.
Einstein’s equation relates the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons to the photon energy
If the photon frequency exceeds the threshold frequency, electrons are emitted, allowing current to flow.
Light exhibits both wave-like properties (e.g., diffraction, interference) and particle-like properties (e.g., photoelectric effect, Compton scattering).
Matter (e.g., electrons) also shows wave behavior, with a de Broglie wavelength
Wave-particle duality means that particles and waves cannot be fully described by classical concepts alone; they exhibit behaviors of both under different conditions.
the photoelectric effect as evidence of the particle nature of light
that photons of a certain frequency, known as the threshold frequency, are required to release photoelectrons from the metal
Einstein's explanation using the work function and the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons
diffraction of particles as evidence of the wave nature of matter
that matter exhibits wave-particle duality
the de Broglie wavelength for particles
Compton scattering of light by electrons as additional evidence of the particle nature of light
that photons scatter off electrons with increased wavelength
the shift in photon wavelength after scattering off an electron