Question

question 10 of 10
in the photoelectric effect, what happens when light hits the metal?
a. electrons are knocked off atoms, causing electricity to flow.

b. light is reflected off the metal, causing electrons to form.

c. electricity is produced in the metal, causing light to be emitted.

d. electrons are pumped into the metal, causing electricity to flow.

Explanation:

The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon where electromagnetic radiation (like light) hits a material (metal here), and if the light's frequency is above a threshold, electrons are ejected from the metal. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: When light hits the metal (not stone, but the question might have a typo or misstatement, but the core idea of electrons being knocked off to cause electricity flow matches the photoelectric effect.
• Option B: The photoelectric effect is about electron emission, not light reflection causing electron formation.
• Option C: The photoelectric effect is about light causing electron emission (and thus electricity), not electricity causing light emission.
• Option D: Electrons are ejected (knocked off) from the metal, not pumped into it.

Answer:

A. Electrons are knocked off (from the metal, likely a typo instead of "stone") causing electricity to flow.