Find the maximum photoelectron kinetic energy Kmax = hf/e − φ in eV; zero below threshold.
| Kmax (eV) | – |
Use this calculator for Einstein’s photoelectric equation: the leftover kinetic energy of an electron (in eV) is photon energy hf converted to eV, minus the work function φ.
φ is in electronvolts. Sodium is near 2.3 eV. If hf is smaller than φ, no electron leaves and Kmax is shown as 0. Frequency is in hertz; 10¹⁵ Hz is near ultraviolet. This is the maximum energy, not a photocurrent.
Frequency (Hz): Light frequency in hertz.
φ (eV): Work function of the metal, in electronvolts.
Kmax (eV): Maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectron, or 0 below threshold.
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