PHOTOELECTRICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Photoelectricity refers to the phenomenon that occurs when electromagnetic radiation, particularly light, triggers the emission of electrons from a substance's surface. It is the production of electric current or voltage as a result of the interaction between light and matter. This phenomenon was first observed and explained by Albert Einstein in 1905, and his explanation eventually led to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics.
When light hits a surface, it transfers energy to the particles in the substance. If the energy is sufficient, this causes the electrons in the substance to be released from their atoms, creating a flow of electric charge. These emitted electrons are called photoelectrons. The energy of the photons in the light determines the kinetic energy of the released electrons.
The photoelectric effect depends on various factors such as the intensity and frequency of the incident light, as well as the properties of the material being illuminated. Higher intensities and shorter wavelengths of light generally lead to a greater number of photoelectrons being released.
The applications of photoelectricity are extensive and diverse. Photoelectric cells, or photovoltaic cells, are devices that utilize the photoelectric effect to directly convert light energy into electrical energy. They are widely used in solar panels to generate electricity. Additionally, photoelectricity is employed in sensors, detectors, digital cameras, and various other technologies that rely on the detection and manipulation of light.
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Electricity produced by the action of light.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHOTOELECTRICITY
- -photo-electricity
- ohotoelectricity
- lhotoelectricity
- -hotoelectricity
- 0hotoelectricity
- pgotoelectricity
- pbotoelectricity
- pnotoelectricity
- pjotoelectricity
- puotoelectricity
- pyotoelectricity
- phitoelectricity
- phktoelectricity
- phltoelectricity
- phptoelectricity
- ph0toelectricity
- ph9toelectricity
- phoroelectricity
- phofoelectricity
- phogoelectricity
Etymology of PHOTOELECTRICITY
The word "photoelectricity" is derived from two roots: "photo-" and "-electricity".
The prefix "photo-" comes from the Greek word "phōs" (φῶς), meaning "light". It is commonly used in scientific terms related to light and optics, such as "photography", "photosynthesis", and "photovoltaic".
The suffix "-electricity" originates from the Latin word "ēlectricus", meaning "like amber" or "produced by amber". The word "electricity" itself is derived from "electricus", which refers to the electrical phenomena observed in relation to amber.
Combining these two roots, "photoelectricity" refers to the phenomenon of the emission of electrons when a material is exposed to light.
Similar spelling words for PHOTOELECTRICITY
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