Discussion for the enhanced understanding of the photoelectric effect

Hunkoog Jho, Bongwoo Lee, Youngrae Ji, Sangwoo Ha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The photoelectric effect is a crucial phenomenon that contributed to the emergence of modern physics. Even, it is widely used in various fields of physics, such as spectroscopy, image sensing, and particle physics. Albeit its significance in physics, most of the textbooks illuminate a limited perspective focusing on the particle nature of light. This study aims to provide a more productive account of the photoelectric effect from a holistic viewpoint relevant to various fields of physics. This study examines the various fields of physics, from electromagnetics to modern physics, including quantum mechanics such as Fermi-Dirac statistics and light quantum theory. We also suggest extending the quantum mechanics to consider factors influencing the photoelectric effect experiment, such as both anode and cathode materials, geometric considerations of apparatus, and various kinds of interaction between quantum particles. To understand the mechanism of the photoelectric effect deeply, students should be aware of various fields of physics and connect them. The discussions in this study provide more productive ways of understanding the photoelectric effect.

Original languageEnglish
Article number025301
JournalEuropean Journal of Physics
Volume44
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Fermi energy
  • Fermi-Dirac distribution
  • photoelectric effect
  • quantum mechanics

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