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7A10.10 - Photoelectric Effect

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​7A10.10 - Photoelectric Effect

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Title7A10.10 - Photoelectric Effect
Objective

This demonstration shows the production of photoelectrons in zinc.​

StatusAvailable
Assembly Instructions

Clean one face of the zinc plate with steel wool immediately before doing the experiment or the effect will not be seen. The plate is then suspended from a Plexiglas rod with string and a banana lead is alligator clipped on from it to a projection electrometer. A UV light source with no lens is set up fairly close to the plate to illuminate the side which was cleaned.

Be sure to align the UV light so that none of the light shines above or below the plate as it is usually set up where the light is facing the students.  Danger signs are important here. ​

Setup Time15
Operation Time
Preview Time10
Operation Instructions

Using the piezoelectric charger, squeeze the charger and touch the ground plate.   Then, while still having the charger squeezed, release the squeeze with the charger contacting the zinc plate.  This will deposit positive charge onto the zinc plate.  Then turn on the UV light and remove the clear plastic plate out of the way.  You should see the charge on the electroscope drop down due to the photoelectric effect.  You can prove this is what is happening by then repeating the experiment with negative charge instead of positive charge.​

ExportableNo
Demo on DimeNo
PIRA 200Yes
Export Instructions (if different)
HazardsLight Hazard - Ultra Violet
Analysis/Information
Category7 Modern Physics
Subcategory7A - Quantum Effects
Keywordsquantum theory, photoelectron, wave-particle duality
Construction Information
 
Equipment TitleUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
QuantityUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
zinc plate
1
sandpaper (or steel wool)
1
bench clamp
1
bench rod
1
rod clamp
1
insulated rod
1
UV lamp and fixture - shortwave
1
plexiglass plate
1
piezo charger
1
grounding plate with grounding plug
1
electroscope
1
banana cable
2
1
camera - b&w
1