In order for a photon to eject an electron from a metal's surface in the photoelectric effect, the photon's
A) momentum must be zero.
B) wavelength must be greater than a certain minimum value.
C) frequency must be greater than a certain minimum value.
D) speed must be greater than a certain minimum value.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The photoelectric effect occurs when photons have a frequency (or equivalently, energy) above a certain threshold specific to the metal. This is because the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, and a minimum amount of energy is required to overcome the work function of the metal and eject an electron.

In Order for a Photon to Eject an Electron from a Metal's