A light wave of a particular frequency hits a metal.  The light wave is made of discrete photons, each with energy hf = hc/λ.  An electron will either completely absorb a photon, or not at all. An electron in a metal needs an energy to leave the metal -- the work function (W).  For the W given, calculate the maximum light wavelength (in nm) that will eject an electron.  I will use electron-volts (eV) for energy, because the computer gives me trouble with very low numbers. hc = 1240 eV nm W = 3.9 eV

A light wave of a particular frequency hits a metal.  The light wave is made of discrete photons, each with energy hf = hc/λ.  An electron will either completely absorb a photon, or not at all.

An electron in a metal needs an energy to leave the metal -- the work function (W).  For the W given, calculate the maximum light wavelength (in nm) that will eject an electron.  I will use electron-volts (eV) for energy, because the computer gives me trouble with very low numbers.

• hc = 1240 eV nm
• W = 3.9 eV