The energy of an incoming photon must be greater than the binding energy of the metal's electron in order to have that electron ejected from the metal's surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For the photoelectric effect to occur, the energy of the incoming photon must be greater than the binding energy of the electron in the metal. This is necessary to overcome the forces holding the electron in the metal and eject it from the surface.

The Energy of an Incoming Photon Must Be Greater Than