Photoelectric Threshold Frequency
The minimum frequency of light required to eject electrons from a material. Below this frequency, no photoelectric effect occurs regardless of intensity.
Variables
Derivation
From photoelectric equation when kinetic energy equals zero.
Your notes
Constants in this formula
Check value
Round inputs run through this page's calculator, with each constant at its tabulated value. Use it to test your own working or a rearranged form. It is a test case, not a real-world example.
- φ = 2 J (Work function)
- h = 6.626 070 15 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s (Planck constant)
Result: fthreshold = 3.01838 × 10³³ Hz
Other modern physics formulas with the same quantities
- Stopping Potential (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant, Work function
- de Broglie Wavelength (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
- Particle in a Box Energy Levels (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
- Compton Scattering (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
- Photon Momentum (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
- Electron Wavelength (Accelerated) (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
Where this formula is listed
- Modern Physics formulas, under Quantum Mechanics, alongside Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Energy-Time Uncertainty, Time-Dependent Schrödinger Equation, Fermi Energy and Bragg's Law.
- In the modern physics list it comes after Fermi Energy and before Bragg's Law.
- Modern Physics formula sheet, one of 41 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Photoelectric Threshold Frequency formula?
Photoelectric Threshold Frequency is written f_threshold = φ/h. The minimum frequency of light required to eject electrons from a material. Below this frequency, no photoelectric effect occurs regardless of intensity. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Quantum Mechanics.
What are the units in f_threshold = φ/h?
In SI units, f_threshold is threshold frequency, measured in Hz; φ is work function, measured in J; h is planck constant, measured in J·s.
How is the Photoelectric Threshold Frequency formula derived?
From photoelectric equation when kinetic energy equals zero. The result is f_threshold = φ/h.
