We describe a simple experiment designed to stimulate deeper understanding of the photoelectric effect, including the effects of thin metal films on both incident ultraviolet photons and liberated photoelectrons. Interpretation of the results teaches principles of critical thinking and curve-fitting that can benefit students throughout their scientific careers.
REFERENCES
1.
R. N.
Steinberg
, G. E.
Oberem
, and L. C.
McDermott
, “Development of a computer-based tutorial on the photoelectric effect
,” Am. J. Phys.
64
, 1370
–1379
(1996
).2.
A. W.
Knudsen
, “The photoelectric determination of h/e: A new approach to an old problem
,” Am. J. Phys.
51
, 725
–729
(1983
).3.
D. W. Preston and E. R. Dietz, The Art of Experimental Physics (Wiley, New York, 1991), pp. 166–180.
4.
R.
Zangara
and E.
Lanzara
, “Photoemission energy distribution measurements in a simple metal: A modern physics undergraduate laboratory
,” Am. J. Phys.
61
, 1114
–1118
(1993
).5.
R. A.
Powell
, “Photoelectric effect: Back to basics
,” Am. J. Phys.
46
, 1046
–1051
(1978
).6.
M. Ohring, The Materials Science of Thin Films (Academic, New York, 1992), p. 459.
7.
L. I. Maissel and M. H. Francombe, An Introduction to Thin Films (Gordon and Breach, New York, 1973), pp. 159–178.
8.
L. Eckertová, Physics of Thin Films, 2nd ed. (Plenum, New York, 1986), pp. 96–142.
9.
Charles Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, 6th ed. (Wiley, New York, 1986).
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2003 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2003
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
