Modern Physics

Photoelectric Threshold Frequency

fthreshold=ϕhf_{threshold} = \frac{\phi}{h}

The minimum frequency of light required to eject electrons from a material. Below this frequency, no photoelectric effect occurs regardless of intensity.

Variables

fthreshold
Threshold frequency
Allowed values: greater than 0
Hz
φ
Work function
Allowed values: greater than 0
J
h
Planck constant
Allowed values: greater than 0
J·s

Derivation

From photoelectric equation when kinetic energy equals zero.

Your notes

0/5000

Constants in this formula

h
6.626 070 15 × 10⁻³⁴. Exact by definition.
J·s

Check value

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  • 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

Where this formula is listed

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.