Question

1a. Is it surprising that electrons are ejected from a metal when light shines on the metal? Please explain in your own words.

1b. Aside from the fact of an electron being ejected by light, are there aspects of the photoelectric effect that conflict with the classical physics of Newton and Maxwell? Please explain.

Answer 1

1a)

Explanation:

This phenomenon is called as photoelectric effect. Metal contain electrons. Lights radiation means electromagnetic radiation contain photons. Only those radiation having higher frequency (cut-off frequency ) show this effect. When such radiation falls on metal surface photon is absorbed by the surface and electron is emitted. This effect is also known as 1 photon - 1 electron effect. As we increase intensity of light wave electron emissions also increases.

1b) yes there are conflict to newton or maxwell classical physics. Because it is inconstitant with wave theory of light because it predict delayed emission of electron also by varying intensity velocity of ejected electron cant change only no. Of electron changes. But later on Einsteins clear this by his theory that light contain quanta of energy called photon that interact with electrons.