http://www.ck12.org Chapter 5. Electrons in Atoms
FIGURE 5.2
In this figure we see the electromagnetic
spectrum. Each form represented on the
spectrum has a unique range of wave-
lengths and frequencies. For example, all
visible light has wavelengths that range
between ~400 nm to 700 nm.Answer:
Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency. As wavelength increases, frequency decreases. As wavelength
decreases, frequency increases.
Photoelectric Effect
Under the right conditions, light can be used to eject electrons from a solid material. This phenomenon, known as
thephotoelectric effect, occurs when some types of electromagnetic radiation are shined on certain kinds of matter.
Figure5.3 shows light rays of a specific wavelength striking a metal object and causing electrons, or photoelectrons,
to be ejected from the surface.
The photoelectric effect was explored by many scientists in the 1800s. It involves the same fundamental principle by