Photoelectric Effect
Definition
The photoelectric effect refers to when electrons are ejected from matter after absorbing photons (light particles).
Analogy
Think of the photoelectric effect like a game of pool. The white cue ball (photon) hits a colored ball (electron), causing it to move or even leave the table (ejection from an atom).
Related terms
Work Function: The minimum energy required to remove an electron from a solid.
Photon Energy: The energy carried by a single photon, proportional to its frequency.
Threshold Frequency: The minimum frequency of light needed for the photoelectric effect to occur.
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