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Contents
Period _______________________________
First, set the simulator to a wavelength of 400 nm using the slider at the bottom of the
gray window.
Then, click the box on the right for Electron energy vs. light frequency to access the
graph for these values.
Next, vary the light intensity from between 0% and 100% using the slider at the top of
the gray bar. (Electrons should begin to flow from the metal once the intensity is greater
than zero.)
Does the graph show any change in electron energy level with a change in light
intensity?
Do you notice any other changes when you adjust the light intensity?
How did the change in wavelength affect the electron energy level?
What effect does changing the light intensity have on the electron energy level?
Does the data you just collected support the original expectations of classical physicists
regarding the reasons for the Photoelectric Effect? Why or why not?
Name _______________________________
Period _______________________________
(b) (c)
(a)
(d)
4. Based on the information you have been given so far, which part of the wave do you think
will be proven to be the key factor in producing the photoelectric effect?
Name _______________________________
Period _______________________________
What happens to electron energy as light intensity increases with a constant wavelength and target
surface?
What happens to electron energy as light wavelength increases with a constant target surface?
What happens to electron energy when light at the same wavelength is shone on zinc and copper target
surfaces?
Based on your observations of the simulator, which variable seems to be directly affected by the
number of electrons emitted from the target surface?
Which variable seems to be directly affected by the speed of the electrons emitted from the target
surface?
What is the relationship between light intensity and electric current with a constant light wavelength
and target surface?
Find the approximate maximum wavelength for each target surface where electron energy is greater
than zero.
Based on the data collected, what do you think is the determining factor in the transfer of energy from
light wave to electron?
Name _______________________________
Period _______________________________
2. Using the chart below and the PhET Photoelectric Effect simulator, create a set of data points
designed to prove or disprove Einsteins explanation for the Photoelectric Effect. (Minimum of 6
simulation runs.) When setting up your chart, consider the key factors in Einsteins discoveries,
as well as the need to control for certain variables over a series of simulation runs.
4. Create a graph of electron energy vs. light wavelength using information collected from the PhET
simulator. Your graph should consist of data points from a minimum of five simulation runs and
use one metal target surface throughout. Be sure to properly label your graph. (Electron energy
can be found using the Electron energy vs. light frequency graph available on the simulator.)
5. How did Einsteins explanation of the Photoelectric Effect change the world of physics? Include
a brief explanation of quantum mechanics.
Photoelectric Effect Part Three: Final Assessment
Scoring Rubric
Student responds to
question
thoughtfully and Student response Student did not
clearly states inadequate and/or respond to
whether results unclear. question.
agreed or disagreed
with Einstein.