What are the factors affecting the photoelectric effect?

Answer.

Photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from the surface of a substance when certain electromagnetic radiation falls on it.

Metal surfaces require ultra-violet radiation while caesium oxide needs a visible light i.e. optical spectrum (sunlight). The factors that affect the photoelectric effect includes:

1. Intensity of the incident radiation: the rate of emission of photoelectrons is directly proportional to the intensity of incident radiation.

2. Work function of the surface: photoelectrons are emitted at different velocities with the maximum being processed by the ones at the surface.

3.Frequency of the incident radiation – the cut-off potential for each surface is directly proportional to the frequency of the incident radiation.