☀️ Photoelectric Effect Simulator

Work function, threshold frequency, Einstein's photoelectric equation
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Experiment Controls

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Live Outputs

Work Function φ
2.3 eV
Threshold ν₀
5.56 ×10¹⁴
KE_max
0.00 eV
Stopping Potential
0.00 V
Photon Energy (hν)
2.48 eV
Electrons/sec
0
⚠ No emission — ν < ν₀. Increase frequency above threshold.
KE_max = hν − φ
ν₀ = φ/h  |  h = 6.626×10⁻³⁴ J·s
V_stop = KE_max / e

Photoelectric Experiment

Energy Level Diagram

Einstein's Photoelectric Equation: Each photon delivers exactly hν of energy. If hν ≥ φ (work function), an electron is ejected with KE_max = hν − φ. Intensity affects the number of electrons (photon rate) but NOT their kinetic energy. Higher frequency → more energetic electrons. Below threshold → no emission regardless of intensity.