PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT

PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT

The conversion of light energy into electric energy is called photoelectric effcet. The device used to convert light energy into electrical energy is called photocell. The photoelectrons are emitted from photocell when light having frequency greater than threshold frequency shines on metal surface. The current established due to these photoelectrons is called photocurrent .

EXPERIMENTAL ARRANGEMENT

The apparatus used to study photoelectric effect consists of a...
PHOTOCELL
LIGHT SOURCE
AN AMMETER
VOLTMETER
POTENTIAL DIVIDER
AND
BATTERY
As shown in circuit diagram.The photocell is evacuated glass tube having two electrodes called emitter and collector.

WORKING

The ammeter shows no deflection when photocell is in dark.
The ammeter shows deflection when light of suitable frequency falls on photocell.
The ammeter and voltmeter shows variation in their readings when sliding contact 'Y' is moved to and fro.
It simply meansphotocell converts light energy into electric energy.
The light transfers its momentum to electrons when it shines on emitter 'E' which is made of metal. The photoelectrons emitted by emitter are collected by collector 'C' which is connected to positive terminal of battery.
In this way photocurrent is established in circuit.....