What is the extent of elements for the photoelectric effect?

[Justin Lau 1D]

It seems like generally the photoelectric effect is described to apply to metals, and mostly transition metals like copper to be precise. However, does it also occur with more volatile metals like sodium or magnesium? How about metalloids and solid nonmetals?

[Clement Ng]

Non metals are not likely to exhibit any photoelectric effect, because only metals have 'spare' electrons available in their outer shells.

[Akshay Anand]

According to Dr. Lavelle, a photoelectric experiment can be done with a non metal, it will just have to be altered to fit that certain substance. However, it's much easier to carry out this experiment on metals, and since it led to many scientific discoveries, Dr. Lavelle goes into detail there the most.