IB Physics Sub-topic E2 Definitions

This page contains our IB Physics definitions for sub-topic E2. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Physics 'Quantum physics'.
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Photoelectric effect

It is the emission of electrons from a metal surface when UV light shines on it

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Quantum tunnelling

It is a particle's ability to escape its potential barrier without sufficient energy

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Stopping potential

It is the voltage at which there is no electron emission

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Threshold frequency

It is the frequency of absorbed photon below which no electron is emitted

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Wave-particle duality

It is the property of sometimes behaving as a wave and sometimes behaving as a particle

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Work function

It is the minimum energy that electrons need to escape the metal surface

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