Photoelectric Effect Calculator
Compute the photon energy, maximum photoelectron kinetic energy and emission status from incident wavelength and the work function of the target metal.
How to Use the Photoelectric Effect Calculator
- Enter the incident wavelength in nanometres.
- Enter the work function of the target metal in eV.
- Click Calculate to see photon energy, KE and emission status.
Use Cases
- •Introductory quantum physics.
- •Photomultiplier and solar-cell design.
- •Astrophysics photoionisation calculations.
Formula
KE = h·f − φ, where f = c/λ, h = 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s, c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s. Emission occurs when KE > 0.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work function?
The minimum energy needed to liberate an electron from a metal surface. Caesium is ~2.1 eV, copper ~4.7 eV, platinum ~6.4 eV.
Why does intensity not appear?
In the Einstein model, the kinetic energy of each electron depends only on frequency; intensity sets the number of electrons, not their energy.