Photoelectrochemical Cells: These cells use the photoelectric effect to convert light energy into chemical energy. They consist of a semiconductor electrode that absorbs light and generates electron-hole pairs, which then participate in electrochemical reactions.
photoelectric cell, an electron tube with a photosensitive cathode that emits electrons when illuminated and an anode for collecting the emitted electrons. Various cathode materials are sensitive to specific spectral regions, such as ultraviolet, infrared, or visible light.
The photocell experiment therefore enables us to determine the threshold frequency, Plank’s constant, the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons, and the work function of the metal using a straightforward experimental setup. The photoelectric effect is an important phenomenon that provides evidence of the particle nature of light.
These make use of the photoelectric effect to convert light into electricity for running different devices. Figure 1. The photoelectric effect can be observed by allowing light to fall on the metal plate in this evacuated tube. Electrons ejected by the light are collected on the collector wire and measured as a current.
The photoelectric effect is determined by a variety of parameters, comprising light frequency, intensity, material type, light energy, and potential difference. Electron emission is not affected by light intensity unless the frequency exceeds a certain threshold.
The current from a photocell can easily be used to operate switches or relays, which has led to applications in light activated counters, automatic door openers and intrusion alarms (in these types of devices, photocells are sometimes known as ‘electric eyes’).