Photoelectric threshold and stopping potential
Photon frequency sets maximum photoelectron energy in the single-photon model.
Key knowledge
For one-photon emission from a specified surface with work function Φ, maximum initial electron kinetic energy is K_max=hf−Φ when hf≥Φ. An ideal stopping-potential magnitude V_stop satisfies eV_stop=K_max, and threshold frequency is Φ/h. At fixed frequency and surface state in this regime, increasing intensity increases the number/rate of photoelectrons rather than this maximum energy.
Values and equations
K_max=hf−Φ=eV_stop; f_threshold=Φ/h
- K_max,Φ
- Maximum electron kinetic energy and surface work function J
- h
- Planck constant J s
- f,f_threshold
- Incident and threshold frequencies Hz
- e
- Positive elementary-charge constant C
- V_stop
- Positive stopping-potential magnitude in the ideal model V
Conditions and scope
- Specified surface/work function and single-photon photoemission with negligible charging, contact-potential/recoil complications in the ideal stopping model.
- Strong-field/multiphoton emission, surface modification, space charge and instrument response change the model. Work function is surface-dependent, not a universal isolated-atom binding energy.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Read §6.2 intensity/stopping observations6.12 and single-photon work-function/threshold6.14–6.17. Distinguish surface emission from the existing atomic photon-absorption record; bounded single-photon regime excludes universal no-threshold/intensity statements.
2026-10-10 · /root/audit_life_earth_chemistry — independent Chemistry/Life/Earth editor. Independent AI editorial review of this entry's statements, equations, applicability conditions and source coverage. Source checks apply to these claims within their stated limits.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- foundation-physics-surface-photoelectric-effect
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions