Difference between Photoelectric effect and the atomic spectra

[205296774]

Hi there. During the Monday lecture, after going over the photoelectric effect, Dr. Lavelle mentioned that many students make the mistake of getting this topic confused with the atomic spectra. Could anyone further clarify it for me? I get the general gist but don't want to get them confused!

Thanks!

[Vanessa Chuang 4F]

Both of them deal with the absorption and emitting of photons. The photoelectric effect is when the electron absorbs enough energy to be completely ejected. Atomic spectra only wants to excite the electrons to observe them in an excited state, not remove them completely like the photoelectric effect.
Also, I think Dr. Lavelle mentioned that the photoelectric effect deals with metals while the atomic spectra deals with gases but I'm not completely sure if I heard him right.
Hope that helps!

[205296774]

Ok! Thank you, this helps clarify the two a lot!

[thanh24mai]

Thanks for asking/answering! I had the same question!