Einstein's photoelectric effect and the photon model

What this note covers

1. 1. The classical wave model and why it failed
2. 2. Einstein's photon model: the quantum of light
3. 3. Threshold frequency, work function, and stopping voltage
4. 4. Interpreting photoelectric effect graphs
5. 5. Evidence for the particle nature of light
6. 6. Multi-step quantitative problems: worked approach
7. 7. Wave-particle duality and the conceptual significance of the photon model

7 sections · 12 key terms & formulas · 5 common mistakes