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The Photoelectric Effect: Reconstructing the Story for the Physics Classroom

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Abstract

The photoelectric effect is commonly used as the introductory topic for the study of quantum physics. However, a literature review reveals that besides various weaknesses and errors in the presentation of the history of the photoelectric effect, textbook presentations also contain incorrect presentations of the work function and the photon concept. In this paper, I present, in story form, five key episodes of the history of the photoelectric effect that are necessary for its accurate and adequate portrayal: (a) the discovery of the photoelectric effect, (b) the characterization of and initial explanation for the photoelectric effect, (c) Einstein’s revolutionary paper on the light quantum and its explanation for the photoelectric effect, and his, eventually, receiving the Nobel Prize despite not having his hypothesis accepted, (d) Millikan’s experimental verification of Einstein’s photoelectric equation despite not accepting Einstein’s hypothesis, and (e) Compton’s measurements and his theoretical explanation which produced the ultimate acceptance of Einstein’s hypothesis. The story, entitled “The Birth of the Photon Concept,” has been tested in a classroom setting and is proposed as an essential component in the process of developing sound instructional materials.

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Notes

  1. For a discussion of another theory of the photoelectric effect, that of Richardson, see Katzir 2006.

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Acknowledgments

The researching, writing, and presenting of this paper was made possible, in part, through funding provided by NSERC CRYSTAL at the University of Manitoba, the Maurice Price Foundation, and the University of Winnipeg.

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  1. Department of Physics, University of Winnipeg, R3B 2E9, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Stephen Klassen

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Klassen, S. The Photoelectric Effect: Reconstructing the Story for the Physics Classroom. Sci & Educ 20, 719–731 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-009-9214-6

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