This applet shows you the effect of light
on various metals. As you will be able to see, electrons will only "jump" off of
the metal if a certain energy is reached. This is dependent upon the wavelength, and not
the intensity of the light. Push the "Start" button and move the wavelength scrollbar to see this
effect. Short wavelengths are to the left. Long wavelengths are to the right. Choose
different metals also. Most vary in sensitivity only slightly, but some are excited by
longer wavelengths. See if you can find them. Also, you may wish to determine the
approximate wavelength that excites the electrons in each metal. The photoelectric effect
is a very interesting discovery and can only be explained using quantum physics.
[This java applet was written by Phillip Warner]