This interactive simulation allows users to visualize the photoelectric effect experiment and explore how it led to the discovery of the photon model of light. It features a robust variety of tools: choose from five different metals, change the light intensity and/or wavelength of light and view how this affects electron ejection, and change the voltage from -8.0 to 8.0. Output options include graphing current vs. voltage, current vs. light intensity, and electron energy vs. light frequency.
Registered users of PhET also have access to a collection of teacher-contributed lessons, homework, and problem sets. Registration is free. This simulation is part of the Physics Education Technology Project, a growing collection of interactive simulations designed using principles from physics education research and refined based on student interviews.
Editor's Note:A key takeaway from this simulation is that electron ejection only occurs when a certain "threshold frequency" of light is incident on the metal surface. Below this threshold, the photoelectric effect will not happen. The threshold frequency differs for each metal, with sodium on the lower end (longer wavelength) and platinum on the high end (shorter wavelength). NOTE: This simulation meets a specific NGSS Physical Science content standard in Waves: HS-PS4.B.iii -- "Photoelectric materials emit electrons when they absorb light of a high-enough frequency."
Common Core State Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6—12
Key Ideas and Details (6-12)
RST.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (6-12)
RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.
Common Core State Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6—12
Text Types and Purposes (6-12)
1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content. (WHST.11-12.1)
Common Core State Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6—12
Key Ideas and Details (6-12)
RST.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (6-12)
RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.
Common Core State Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6—12
Text Types and Purposes (6-12)
1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content. (WHST.11-12.1)
PhET Simulation: Photoelectric Effect. (2006, August 11). Retrieved September 13, 2024, from PhET: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/photoelectric
%0 Electronic Source %D August 11, 2006 %T PhET Simulation: Photoelectric Effect %I PhET %V 2024 %N 13 September 2024 %8 August 11, 2006 %9 application/java %U https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/photoelectric
Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Common Core Standards (3)
Record Link
Save to my folders