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photoelectric effect

noun

, Physics.
  1. the phenomenon in which the absorption of electromagnetic radiation, as light, of sufficiently high frequency by a surface, usually metallic, induces the emission of electrons from the surface.

photoelectric effect

noun

  1. the ejection of electrons from a solid by an incident beam of sufficiently energetic electromagnetic radiation
  2. any phenomenon involving electricity and electromagnetic radiation, such as photoemission

photoelectric effect

  1. The emission of electrons from a material, such as a metal, as a result of being struck by photons. Some substances, such as selenium, are particularly susceptible to this effect. The photoelectric effect is used in photoelectric and solar cells to create an electric potential.
  2. Also called photoemission

photoelectric effect

  1. The emission of electrons from a metal when light shines on it. The effect is widely used to convert a light signal into an electric current (see also current ).

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Word History and Origins

Origin of photoelectric effect1

First recorded in 1890–95

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Example Sentences

Or there may be an inelastic collision, when the photon hits an atom and knocks out an electron—the old photoelectric effect.

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