Increasing Light Intensity Photoelectric Effect

[Areena H 2K]

If we have a light that has sufficient energy to allow electrons to escape the surface of a metal, will changing the intensity (amplitude) of that particular light cause any effect on either the number of electrons being ejected or the kinetic energy that those electrons will have?

[Abhi Vempati 2H]

Yes – once a sufficient threshold energy is reached (by increasing frequency), the amplitude of the wave does matter. Increasing the amplitude proportionally increases the number of electrons ejected. So, if you double the amplitude, you double the number or electrons ejected, and so on. Hope this helps!

[Lelija Kazlauskas 3J]

Doubling the intensity (amplitude) will double the amount of electrons emitted from the metal, but it won't change the kinetic energy of those electrons.

[Betania Hernandez 2E]

Yes, changing the intensity of a particular light will cause a change in the number of electrons being ejected. So if the intensity of a light is increased, the number of electrons being ejected will increase as well.

[Caitlin Ciardelli 3E]

Because light acts as both a wave and a particle, increasing intensity alone will not effect the number of e- that are emitted unless each photon has enough energy (threshold energy) to emit an electron. You increase the energy of each individual photon by decreasing wavelength. Once the photons pass the threshold energy because of the shorter wavelengths, as you increase the intensity, you increase the number of electrons emitted

[Caitlin Ciardelli 3E]

Because light acts as both a wave and a particle, increasing intensity alone will not effect the number of e- that are emitted unless each photon has enough energy (threshold energy) to emit an electron. You increase the energy of each individual photon by decreasing wavelength. Once the photons pass the threshold energy because of the shorter wavelengths, as you increase the intensity, you increase the number of electrons emitted

[Viviana Velasquez]

Yes, as long as the frequency is equal to or greater than the threshold energy needed to eject an electron, increasing the light intensity will increase the # of electrons ejected. It won't affect the kinetic energy.

[Zoya Mulji 1K]

frequency determines whether or not electrons are emitted. the intensity increases the number of photons but not that actual energy.