Photoelectric Effect Calculator
⚛ Modern physics. Use the Photoelectric effect formula to find max kinetic energy, frequency, work function φ: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
φ = work function (sodium ≈ 2.28 eV). No electrons at all if hf < φ.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Max kinetic energy | eV |
| Frequency | Hz |
| Work function φ | eV |
Worked example
Find the max kinetic energy when Frequency = 6 × 10¹⁴ Hz, Work function φ = 2.28 eV.
Using Ek,max = hf - φ: Max kinetic energy = 0.2014 eV.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Photoelectric effect?
Ek,max = hf - φ. φ = work function (sodium ≈ 2.28 eV). No electrons at all if hf < φ.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Max kinetic energy in eV, Frequency in Hz, Work function φ in eV.
How do you calculate max kinetic energy?
Put the values into Ek,max = hf - φ. For example, with Frequency = 6 × 10¹⁴ Hz, Work function φ = 2.28 eV, max kinetic energy = 0.2014 eV.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (max kinetic energy, frequency, work function φ) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
