Explore the Photoelectric Effect Simulator
Shine light on a metal and see when electrons are emitted, and how fast. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Photoelectric Effect Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Photoelectric Effect Simulator?
Shine light on a metal and see when electrons are emitted, and how fast. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
The photoelectric effect powers solar cells, light sensors, digital camera sensors and night-vision devices.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Light comes in photons with energy E = hf.
Electrons are ejected only if the photon energy exceeds the metal's work function.
Brighter light means more electrons, not faster ones. Higher frequency means faster ones.
Use sodium with 400 nm light.
Switch to platinum.
Raise the intensity.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Photoelectric Effect Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Switch to platinum. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why does dim blue light emit electrons but bright red light doesn't?
Each photon gives its energy to a single electron. Red photons don't carry enough energy to exceed the work function, no matter how many there are.
What is the work function?
The minimum energy needed to remove an electron from the surface of a metal. It differs for each metal.
Is the Photoelectric Effect Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Photoelectric Effect Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Photoelectric Effect Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Photoelectric Effect Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 10 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Photoelectric Effect Simulator?
1. In the Photoelectric Effect Simulator, use the controls to change Metal, Wavelength, Quick colours, Light intensity, Battery voltage, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Photoelectric Effect Simulator, pick an option such as Sodium, Caesium, Calcium, Magnesium to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Photoelectric Effect Simulator, press "Set stopping voltage", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Use sodium with 400 nm light. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Photoelectric Effect Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Light comes in photons with energy E = hf.
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Try the Photoelectric Effect Simulator now
Shine light on a metal and see when electrons are emitted, and how fast. Free to use.
Try it free