Lecture Notes (Photoelectric Effect & X-Rays) - Dickey Physics

ather as a series of particles called quanta (this led to a new
branch of physics called quantum theory)
- the PE shows that radiant energy in the form of x-rays, UV rays,
or visible light hitting the surface of various metals ejects
electrons from their surfaces
- the PE was studied by making two kinds of measurements:
1) photoelectric current (electrons emitted per unit time)
2) KE of electrons after being emitted
- the device used to study the PE was similar to a cathode ray
tube (two metal plates sealed in a vacuum tube made of
quartz); the plates are connected by a wire to a voltage source
and ammeter
- quartz glass was used because it allowed visible and
ultraviolet light to pass through to the metal plates