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Quantum Phenomena Notes

The document discusses the photoelectric effect, explaining how photoelectrons are emitted from metal surfaces when light above a certain threshold frequency is applied, which cannot be explained by wave theory but is clarified by the photon model. It also covers electron collisions with atoms, detailing excitation and ionization processes, as well as the emission of photons during de-excitation. Additionally, it introduces the concept of discrete energy levels in atoms and the wave-particle duality of light and electrons, referencing De Broglie's hypothesis on the wave-like properties of particles.

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11 views3 pages

Quantum Phenomena Notes

The document discusses the photoelectric effect, explaining how photoelectrons are emitted from metal surfaces when light above a certain threshold frequency is applied, which cannot be explained by wave theory but is clarified by the photon model. It also covers electron collisions with atoms, detailing excitation and ionization processes, as well as the emission of photons during de-excitation. Additionally, it introduces the concept of discrete energy levels in atoms and the wave-particle duality of light and electrons, referencing De Broglie's hypothesis on the wave-like properties of particles.

Uploaded by

dhruvm771
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Quantum phenomena notes

3.2.2.1

The photoelectric effect

The photoelectric effect is where photoelectrons emitted from the surface


of the metal after light above a certain frequency is shone on the light.
This frequency is different for each different type of metal, and this is
called the threshold frequency.

The threshold frequency cannot be explained by the wave theory as it


suggests the any frequency should be able to cause photoelectric
frequency because each electron would gain energy from each oncoming
wave. However, it can be explained by the photon model of light as it
suggested: EM waves travel in discrete packets with energy directly
proportional to frequency, each electron can only absorb one
photon and this is why photoelectrons can only be emitted above
a certain frequency and as light intensity increases the proportion of
photons emitted above the threshold frequency increase and so more
photoelectrons are emitted per second.

The work function is the minimum amount of energy needed for the
emissions of photoelectrons from the surface of a metal. The stopping
potential is the potential difference needed to be applied to the metal for
it stop producing photoelectrons.

Photoelectric equation:
E=hf =−E k(max )

3.2.2.2

Collisions of electrons with atoms

Electrons may only exist in discrete energy levels. These electrons


gain energy from colliding with other free electrons, these then give them
enough energy to move up energy levels this is known as excitation
they can also gain enough energy to escape the atom entirely
(ionisation). Ionisation only occurs when the energy of the free electron
is greater than the ionisation energy.
If an electron gets excited, then it will quickly return to its ground state
which is known as de-excitation. This excess energy will then be
released from the electron in the form of a photon. Excitation is mainly
used to produce light in fluorescence tubes.

Ev = e X 1.6 X 10^-19

3.2.2.3

Energy levels and photon emissions

By passing light from a fluorescence tube through a diffraction grating


or prism you would get a line spectrum. Each line the spectrum would
represent one single wavelength of light produced. This diagram is not
continuous and not shows discrete wavelengths of light produced only
the photon energies produced would correspond with these
wavelengths. This is evidence that electrons in atoms can only
transition between discrete energy levels. This can also be achieved
by passing white light through a cooled gas, but you would get a line
absorption spectrum.

hf =E1−E 2

3.2.2.4

Light has both wave and particle-like properties, as the wave nature of
electrons can be absorbed through electron diffractions. as only waves
can experience diffractions.

De Broglie wavelength:
De Broglie hypothesised that if light was shown to have particle-like
properties, then particles should also have wave-like properties. He wrote
an equation relating the wavelength () to its momentum (mv)
h
¿
mv
Where h = planks constant

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