Electrons Lost

[Daisylookinland]

In the photoelectric effect, does the electron that is released come from the metal that the EM radiation is shining on?

[Milena Aragon 2B]

Yes, if the photon contains the minimum amount of energy needed (threshold energy) for an electron to be released from the metal, then it will do so.

[harshitasarambale4I]

It is also important to remember that the metal is in a circuit. This means that the electrons in the metal will be continuously replenished, ensuring that the metal never runs out of electrons.

[Jeremy Feng 1A]

In response to the comment about metal being a circuit; the circuit only exists in the model set up in this particular experiment. In "nature", it is possible for a metal to lose its electrons due to the photoelectric effect. Should a metal lose enough electrons on the atomic scale, it would simply cease to have the characteristics of the particular metal.