🧲ap physics 2 review

Inverse relationship between de Broglie wavelength and kinetic energy

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

As the kinetic energy of an ejected electron increases, its de Broglie wavelength decreases, because λ = h/p and p = √(2mK); this relationship is used to order frequencies and work functions.

AP course connection

Topic 15.5: 15.5 The Photoelectric Effect

Unit 15

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