What new idea about light did Einstein use to explain the photoelectric effect? Why does the photoelectric effect exhibit a threshold frequency? Why does it not exhibit a time lag?

Respuesta :

Answer and Explanation:

- Einstein used the new idea that light consists of small packages of energy, which he later called photons. That light is particulate and is quantized in photons.

- The photoelectric effect basically explains that electrons on a metallic surface can gain enough energy from light (photons) incidented on such surfaces and break free of the surface.

Since a beam of light consists of an enormous number of photons,intensity of

light (brightness) is related to the number of photons,but not to the energy of each. Therefore, a photon of a certain minimum energy must be absorbed in order free an electron from the surface. Energy is proportional to frequency (E = hf) so, the theory predicts a threshold freguency that corresponds to the minimum energy (work function of the metal) required to liberate the electrons.

- There is no time lag because electrons break free, the moment they absorb photons of enough energy. A current will flow as soon as a photon of sufficient energy reaches the metal plate and that is why there is no lag time.