SIMULATION LAB 1: RELATING FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY TO CURRENT
Instructions

In Internet Explorer, go to phet.colorado.edu then
and
select
OR
http://phet.colorado.edu/new/simulations/sims.php?sim=Photoelectric_Effect

In the Photoelectric Effect Simulation
 Set METAL = Sodium and VOLTAGE = 0 V
 Select wavelengths that include the full range of the available spectrum (200 nm, 300 nm, 400 nm, 500 nm, 600 nm, and 700 nm)
 Convert wavelength to frequency using f = c / λ . Remember that 200 nm = 200 × 10-9 m (2.00 × 10-7 m) and c = 3.0 × 108 m/s.
 For each wavelength, start with the Intensity at 0% and slowly increase the Intensity to 100%.
 Record all observations on data sheet (see over)
Conclusions
 State the relationship between Current and Intensity and predict the shape of the graph of the relationship.
Current (A)
 Answer the concluding questions below, play some more with the simulation and record any other findings or conclusions
 State the relationship between Current and Wavelength and predict the shape of the graph of the relationship.
Current (A)
Intensity (%)
Wavelength (nm)
Raw Data
Table 1.
Wavelength
(nm)
Effect of changing the intensity of different wavelengths of light on the photoelectrons of sodium metal
and the resulting current when the voltage is zero.
Frequency
(x 1014 Hz)
200
Colour
Sodium Metal
Minimum
Effect of Increasing Intensity
Intensity for
Frequency of
Speed of
Photoelectrons
Photoelectron Emission
Photoelectrons
(%)
(faster/slower/no change)
(faster/slower/no change)
ultraviolet
300
400
500
600
700
Sample calculation for frequency from wavelength (use 200 nm).
Other Findings / Conclusions:
Maximum
Current (A)