In the case of the photoelectric effect:
| 1. |
Since photons are absorbed as single (discrete) units, there is no significant time delay in the emission of photoelectrons. |
| 2. |
According to Einstein, the critical frequency \(\nu_{0} =\dfrac{e\phi }{h},\) where \(\phi\) is the work function and \(h\) is Planck’s constant. When light with this frequency \((\nu_0)\) hits the material, it causes electrons to be ejected with the maximum possible kinetic energy. |
| 3. |
Only a small fraction of the incident photons succeed in ejecting photoelectrons, while the majority are absorbed by the system as a whole and generate thermal energy. |
| 4. |
The maximum kinetic energy of the electrons depends on the intensity of the radiation. |