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Glite Dictionary
photoelectric emission

photoelectric emission

7.4
When a material absorbs very strong light, it releases electrons
  • noun
  • /ˌfoʊtoʊɪˈlɛktrɪk ɪˈmɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : emisión fotoeléctrica
  • When ultraviolet light strikes a metal surface, photoelectric emission can result in the release of electrons.

Examples

  • Scientists measured the rate of photoelectric emission to understand the energy of incident photons.

  • The phenomenon of photoelectric emission supports the particle theory of light.

  • The photoelectric emission phenomenon was first observed in 1887.

  • Scientists study photoelectric emissions to understand quantum mechanics.

  • When ultraviolet light strikes a metal surface, photoelectric emission occurs as electrons are released.

  • The study of photoelectric emission has important implications for developing solar cell technology.

  • Researchers observed photoelectric emission when exposing certain materials to high-energy radiation.

Synonyms

photoemission
vsphotoelectric emission
  • Specialized
8.8

Electrons leave a material when light shines on it

requires absorption of higher energy rather than any ordinary light exposure

Surface Forms

photoelectric emission singular
photoelectric emissions plural

Morphology

photoelectric + emission

The phrase is fully compositional: 'photoelectric' (relating to effects of light on electrons) modifies 'emission' (the act of releasing), so the meaning 'release caused by a photoelectric effect' is directly derivable from the parts. Although the term is technical, a learner who knows the constituent words can predict the intended phenomenon.

Etymology

Photoelectric emission paints a simple picture: photo means light, electric points to tiny charged particles called electrons, and emission means 'sending out'. Imagine particles of light hitting a metal and knocking electrons free—so photoelectric emission means 'light causing electrons to be released'.